tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36725530197514173582024-02-06T21:16:43.171-05:00BillSmithBlog.comBill Smith is the author of the <i><b>Outlaw Galaxy</b></i> series of swashbuckling space adventure stories and several <i>Star Wars</i> books.
Find out about the <a href="https://billsmithbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-outlaw-galaxy-universe.html"><i><b>Outlaw Galaxy</b></i> universe</a>, where you can get the books, read free short stories, or read Bill Smith's bio or bibliography.
BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-59818029038766695492050-09-03T15:03:00.001-04:002022-12-26T09:43:40.745-05:00The Outlaw Galaxy Universe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5PepyaaV5nEJkCpyy8AHD3Pf85nKnLZ9wlyelsM93KQGRtLUTnlpq7svgIctO6IQWln40m3JdBkzkyOc3KBN5-aJMVCDTM0PgQurHN5TYzW28N6CwHOSkT9wXKVegbiRSk4VnY3Mty2b/s1600/OGLogoBright.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="78" data-original-width="484" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5PepyaaV5nEJkCpyy8AHD3Pf85nKnLZ9wlyelsM93KQGRtLUTnlpq7svgIctO6IQWln40m3JdBkzkyOc3KBN5-aJMVCDTM0PgQurHN5TYzW28N6CwHOSkT9wXKVegbiRSk4VnY3Mty2b/s320/OGLogoBright.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<i>In the distant future...</i><i><br /></i><i>It is a time of legends and myths, of technology and magic,</i><i>of epic struggles and journeys to the stars...</i><i><br /></i><i>A time when great heroes confront the forces of darkness...</i><i><br /></i><i>A time when adventure beckons across the Billion Worlds of Outlaw Galaxy!</i></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Dive into the <i>Outlaw Galaxy</i> universe, a setting of spectacular space fantasy adventure, brimming with aliens and strange worlds and thrilling space battles. Suitable for readers of all ages, or as I like to put it, "For the young and young at heart."<br />
<br />
Find out about the <a href="https://billsmithbooks.blogspot.com/2019/09/outlaw-galaxy-books.html" target="_blank"><i>Outlaw Galaxy </i>books</a>.<br />
<br />
Read some free <a href="https://billsmithbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/outlaw-galaxy-short-stories.html" target="_blank"><i>Outlaw Galaxy </i>short stories</a>!<br />
<br />
There are also a whole bunch of traditional blog posts about whatever shiny thing happened to grab my attention on a given day -- just check the archives.<br />
<br />
Read Bill Smith's <a href="https://billsmithbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/bill-smith-biography.html" target="_blank">biography</a> and check out his <a href="https://billsmithbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/bill-smith-bibliography.html" target="_blank">bibliography of published books</a>.<div><br /></div><div>You can also visit bill at his website, <a href="http://BillSmithBooks.com">BillSmithBooks.com</a> and <a href="http://OutlawGalaxy.com">OutlawGalaxy.com</a>.</div>BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-54281927506891611612050-09-01T15:21:00.000-04:002020-03-29T13:19:47.813-04:00Outlaw Galaxy Books<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are always new <i>Outlaw Galaxy </i>books coming out. Here are some currently available:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeXjvHGHwQu2PFhacfnELw2EGEsGC3nNLr_m0-tqrtpNWXVe0K1dfTaOub7XURzLg7D3e_Yr395ziQzCeb8QoEblvmVw5H5lhfEw50GsWb78DZyPWBMCb0zxVUWhbxuX58TtKj1U0kVs_/s1600/OG4coverfinal.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeXjvHGHwQu2PFhacfnELw2EGEsGC3nNLr_m0-tqrtpNWXVe0K1dfTaOub7XURzLg7D3e_Yr395ziQzCeb8QoEblvmVw5H5lhfEw50GsWb78DZyPWBMCb0zxVUWhbxuX58TtKj1U0kVs_/s200/OG4coverfinal.jpeg" width="132" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b><i>Outlaw Galaxy: Little Wind and Other Tales</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Outlaw Galaxy 4) Short story collection. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Five short stories of magic, wonder and adventure among the stars and distant worlds of Outlaw Galaxy.</span> <i style="font-weight: bold;">Free</i> at most retailers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Download for FREE at <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/872054" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>, <a href="https://payhip.com/b/DMc3" target="_blank">Payhip</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F5BBLWL/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-little-wind-and-other-tales" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1128987074" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a>, or the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/outlaw-galaxy-little-wind-and-other-tales/id1406017904" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a> store. Also available as a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yBa53NvY-9H13DoRw4Q-BSeKZASaBVPpNzipPAKOPqM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">direct download</a>. </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About 15,000 words or 45 paperback pages, reading time: about one hour. (If you like this book, "Tip Jar" contributions are gladly accepted at </span><a href="https://www.paypal.me/outlawgalaxybill">https://www.paypal.me/outlawgalaxybill</a>.)<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDrNelgASJxbsy3pV10u9SncBE2m3e9vKOFCa_602T-vXdHQfOka0ucYJOuU0f6wq_ubACOTacXVTsIor_bpfict-SFKS6EWO_jEQchNRtpkyDSwy2OB3B0nhhv57gENxpEanHcDaai-i/s1600/OG3+cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDrNelgASJxbsy3pV10u9SncBE2m3e9vKOFCa_602T-vXdHQfOka0ucYJOuU0f6wq_ubACOTacXVTsIor_bpfict-SFKS6EWO_jEQchNRtpkyDSwy2OB3B0nhhv57gENxpEanHcDaai-i/s200/OG3+cover.jpeg" width="132" /></span></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Outlaw Galaxy: Hunter's Truth and Other Tales</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Outlaw Galaxy 3) Short story collection. <span style="background-color: white; color: #212529;">Five short stories filled with the adventure and wonder of the Outlaw Galaxy universe. 99 cents at most retailers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529;">Check out the book at <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/696358" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> (where you can read 20% for free), <a href="https://payhip.com/b/EfJ4" target="_blank">Payhip</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7S8R49/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-hunter-s-truth-and-other-tales" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1125502571" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a> or the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/outlaw-galaxy-hunters-truth-and-other-tales/id1196078461" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a> store. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About 18,000 words or 55 paperback pages, reading time: about one hour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE1Lt-I9wZbjXlowXdvVf-X9yOSvhx9NkQMLCWdlFYqk0YIMy3NYdVkR0-yJM0fKn17VNxKvdH1N2nk1q_3jledzMmtIpwE4LQ_EzgBZvz7H_dnIz4fUCDcSkhROBpg397GmbDaR44Q-L/s1600/OutlawGalaxy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE1Lt-I9wZbjXlowXdvVf-X9yOSvhx9NkQMLCWdlFYqk0YIMy3NYdVkR0-yJM0fKn17VNxKvdH1N2nk1q_3jledzMmtIpwE4LQ_EzgBZvz7H_dnIz4fUCDcSkhROBpg397GmbDaR44Q-L/s200/OutlawGalaxy2.jpg" width="132" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212529;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Outlaw Galaxy: Fugitive Among the Stars</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #212529; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">(Outlaw Galaxy 2) Stand-alone novel. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
Trip and his friend Johnnie O. visit Johnnie's cousins for a simple vacation riding anti-grav scooters in the trails and woods of Karrison's wilderness. However, their plans are interrupted when an out-of-control freighter crashes near their campsite and they rescue its badly injured pilot, Bosh Tippen. The boys find themselves pursued by gunmen looking to capture Bosh and return him to vicious gangster Croll Weixx!</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Check out the book at <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/956706" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> (where you can read about 30% for free), <a href="https://payhip.com/b/vjYK" target="_blank">Payhip</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XCRWSBX" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-fugitive-among-the-stars" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1133335865" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a> or the <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/outlaw-galaxy-fugitive-among-the-stars/id1478723769" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a> store. </span></span><span style="color: #212529; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Novel, about 72,500 words or 207 pages, reading time: five hours. $2.99 at most retailers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #212529; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T1V0QG6M4VrVNpMyobtKTKqCk5p3q1Q3M6og7ZY-M2pHX0XgidB9rYGEmOtxODDeOZo-0da_eyIWoTsAA6eCqOLhiMyuHh4DJT6EZbJI56FAS8rCVcgrF1JwzKm2YgRWtkam4HrO5sTS/s1600/OG1+cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0T1V0QG6M4VrVNpMyobtKTKqCk5p3q1Q3M6og7ZY-M2pHX0XgidB9rYGEmOtxODDeOZo-0da_eyIWoTsAA6eCqOLhiMyuHh4DJT6EZbJI56FAS8rCVcgrF1JwzKm2YgRWtkam4HrO5sTS/s200/OG1+cover.jpeg" width="132" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #212529; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Outlaw Galaxy: Trip and the Space Pirates</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #212529;">(Outlaw Galaxy 1) Stand-alone novel. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529;">(Outlaw Galaxy 1, stand-alone novel)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-family: inherit;">
Benjamin "Trip" Trippany lives with his Uncle Craz in the busy port city of Pennick's Crossing, working in his Uncle's starship repair bay while dreaming of someday having his own ship and adventuring among the stars. A chance encounter and chase through the bustling city delivers him into the clutches of Diamond Black Joe, the infamous space pirate. Forced to join the pirate gang, Trip learns that they plan to attack and capture a Sh'nar cargo ship fleet, where his best friend Jinx works. Forced to choose between his own safety and saving his best friend, Trip is plunged into a rousing space adventure filled with deep space battles, shipboard blaster shoot-outs with pirates and a desperate struggle to save the Sh'nar from Diamond Black Joe's pirate gang.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out the book at <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/894454" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> (where you can read 20% for free), <a href="https://payhip.com/b/13pn" target="_blank">Payhip</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H717Z9V/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-trip-and-the-space-pirates" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1129519925" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a> or the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/outlaw-galaxy-trip-and-the-space-pirates/id1436107968" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a> store. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-family: inherit;">About 73,000 words or 210 pages, reading time: 5 hours. $2.99 at most retailers.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></div>
BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-8534031729803453442050-08-31T15:01:00.000-04:002020-04-20T15:13:56.670-04:00Outlaw Galaxy Short StoriesI have a number of <i>Outlaw Galaxy </i>short stories online:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSU0F_wciopusdGBMVZ3wXvcKmOwVZrKMJV1bGgNY8x8hOcuD6KO35ru3EBRmMtYiYELhkl7QYeMIvJ7mt_-gL0pC2Ymv77oQznhJSHMIyZYXKgMTR4Rq_mR6RECfW3QerE7h8S-IFMKj/s1600/OGLogoBright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="78" data-original-width="484" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSU0F_wciopusdGBMVZ3wXvcKmOwVZrKMJV1bGgNY8x8hOcuD6KO35ru3EBRmMtYiYELhkl7QYeMIvJ7mt_-gL0pC2Ymv77oQznhJSHMIyZYXKgMTR4Rq_mR6RECfW3QerE7h8S-IFMKj/s320/OGLogoBright.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.billsmithbooks.com/TaleEchoes.htm">Echoes</a>.</b> A father and son share a very special memory of the past. Included in <i>Outlaw Galaxy 4: Little Wind and Other Tales</i>. (1,750 words, 6 pages, reading time: 5 minutes). <br /><br />
<b><a href="http://www.billsmithbooks.com/TaleLittleWind.htm">Little Wind</a>.</b> You're destined to be a legendary warrior, the inheritor of your people's most sacred traditions...and it all feels like a lie. Included in <i>Outlaw Galaxy 4: Little Wind and Other Tales</i>. (5,300 words, 18 pages, reading time: 20 minutes)<br /><br />
<b><a href="http://www.billsmithbooks.com/TaleHereAlone.htm">Here. Alone.</a></b> There's nothing better than spending the day watching the starships coming in to land at the starport, imagining what their stories might be.... Included in <i>Outlaw Galaxy 4: Little Wind and Other Tales</i>. (2,300 words, 8 pages, reading time: 5 minutes.)<br /><br />
<b><a href="http://www.billsmithbooks.com/TaleOneMansTrash.htm">One Man's Trash.</a></b> No matter how desperately you need a new starship, don't trust your co-pilot to pick it out.... Included in <i>Outlaw Galaxy 4: Little Wind and Other Tales</i>. (4,500 words, 15 pages, 15 minutes)<br /><br />
<b><a href="https://billsmithbooks.blogspot.com/2019/09/weve-come-long-way-outlaw-galaxy-short.html">We've Come A Long Way.</a></b> A tavern on a StarStation, a well-deserved rest after a long journey across the stars ... and a moment of reflection amidst a bar fight. Included in <i>Outlaw Galaxy 4: Little Wind and Other Tales</i>. (1,150 words, 4 pages, 4 minutes)<br /><br />
Also, the short stories "Hunter's Truth" and "Hopes, Dreams, Fears" from <i>Outlaw Galaxy 3: Hunter's Truth and Other Tales</i> are on the sample page for <a href="http://www.billsmithbooks.com/og3.html"><i>Outlaw Galaxy 3: Hunter's Truth and Other Tales</i></a>
BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-6605132664229753042020-08-26T07:31:00.002-04:002020-08-26T07:35:34.271-04:00This Time There is No Excuse<p> Four years ago, some of you could be excused for voting the way you did. You wanted someone different, someone who was not a career politician, you didn't like or trust Hillary, whatever. Low information voters always have excuses.</p><p>But this time, this year, it is time to stand up and be counted.</p><p>This time you know exactly what you are getting. You are getting a man who has no qualifications or even any desire to do the job. </p><p>A man who has not only allowed but actively encouraged policies that have resulted in nearly 200,000 deaths instead of trying to stop a disease outbreak. He is guilty of what a former Federal Prosecutor called, "Negligent Homicide." He has committed a crime against humanity through his actions.</p><p>A man who has put innocent children in cages and encouraged policies that allowed them to be subjected to outrageous neglect and harm. </p><p>A man who has shown unlimited corruption in his policies and administration, who routinely hires people with no qualifications for key positions, who defies court orders at every turn and who feels the law does not apply to him. </p><p>A man who routinely lies and makes up the most outrageous falsehoods about anyone who dares to question him.</p><p>A man who, in the judgement of the Republican controlled Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reached out to a foreign, hostile government and cultivated their support to gain personal power and wealth. </p><p><b>He is objectively a traitor to the United States, by any standard.</b></p><p>He and his enablers have all betrayed this country. And thousands and thousands more will die as this disease rampages out of control due to their callous disregard for the sanctity of human life -- so much for being Pro Life, these hypocritical, awful men and women.</p><p>This time there is no excuse.</p><p>If you vote for this man and his enablers, you are siding with what can only be called evil. </p><p>You cannot profess to be a good person, a follower of Jesus and God, and support this man and this party.</p><p>We are all called to account for ourselves at some point. We must look in the mirror and be honest with ourselves, if nothing else ... but I truly doubt we get off that easy. All of us are held to account for our actions at some point.</p><p>If you support this man, at this point, after four years of this nonsense, you know what you are supporting. You are going into this election with your eyes wide open. You no longer have any excuses. </p><p>If you support this man, at this point, you are objectively a bad person. May God have mercy on your soul.</p>BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-20892335627633848922020-04-20T19:01:00.002-04:002020-05-03T16:19:26.614-04:00Bill Smith Bibliography<h2>
The Outlaw Galaxy Series</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Oqhm3U7rIY5bb5ZmKcckj7Odg5taDgwQoL4zRpzaiRTzZqJOYMx8NMqPtIef4g8o4fI96_hO4aAcBQQ496tAewatM3yB7LZoCfKRTStp4jMOIeSyO5xzSR1ePzHjKIq3TzUVbvOiJVIe/s1600/OG4thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Oqhm3U7rIY5bb5ZmKcckj7Odg5taDgwQoL4zRpzaiRTzZqJOYMx8NMqPtIef4g8o4fI96_hO4aAcBQQ496tAewatM3yB7LZoCfKRTStp4jMOIeSyO5xzSR1ePzHjKIq3TzUVbvOiJVIe/s1600/OG4thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Outlaw Galaxy 4: Little Wind and Other Tales</b> Five short stories of magic, wonder and adventure among the stars and distant worlds of <i>Outlaw Galaxy</i>. <b>Free</b> at most retailers: Short story collection, 15,000 words, about 45 pages, reading time: one hour.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuPMvSSaM9u708khE87cYAr0oXw2PHwkgC4BtejyDQOfOkRQRGA7xZtsomuaLg0wonc2IILArpCwSk2AaRu3JpEwUsg45uq0rkdN-z60NgO-iZeArFAKYzKkW1zgiE6iSGmJpt_6bENk_/s1600/OG3thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuPMvSSaM9u708khE87cYAr0oXw2PHwkgC4BtejyDQOfOkRQRGA7xZtsomuaLg0wonc2IILArpCwSk2AaRu3JpEwUsg45uq0rkdN-z60NgO-iZeArFAKYzKkW1zgiE6iSGmJpt_6bENk_/s1600/OG3thumbnail.jpg" /></a><b>Outlaw Galaxy 3: Hunter's Truth and Other Tales</b> Five short stories filled with the adventure and wonder of the <i>Outlaw Galaxy</i> universe. Short story collection, 18,500 words, about 53 pages, reading time: one hour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n-pmURGvAGmX-AUCYiM6jSYL7Z2la5Grmywx8BM6FlQb91spCIOZWNyDskO3P87Nd20gdwfMLA_VoXQbQSmyBZHF3TR_oadxzFimmEzoroeAo4WsCciR6a6Ojr0ilTVbyZ6jY4s0UOTc/s1600/OG2thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n-pmURGvAGmX-AUCYiM6jSYL7Z2la5Grmywx8BM6FlQb91spCIOZWNyDskO3P87Nd20gdwfMLA_VoXQbQSmyBZHF3TR_oadxzFimmEzoroeAo4WsCciR6a6Ojr0ilTVbyZ6jY4s0UOTc/s1600/OG2thumbnail.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Outlaw Galaxy 2: Fugitive Among the Stars</b> Trip and his friend Johnnie O. visit Johnnie's cousins for a simple vacation riding anti-grav scooters in the trails and woods of Karrison's wilderness. However, their plans are interrupted when an out-of-control freighter crashes near their campsite and they rescue its badly injured pilot, Bosh Tippen. The boys find themselves pursued by gunmen looking to capture Bosh and return him to vicious gangster Croll Weixx! Novel, 72,500 words, 207 pages, reading time: five hours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN_cEPG2DyD9bCXODl1dGGbUkJvRQ7xeGsgzT2p2o0pHMQaGW9c2Nerhb7S-o6XmGv-BXHOukltkuGsNw8h_bzx9nkCs9zPH9phyphenhyphene4o8Hw3ZjShSgZOFaOowRWu6iU5ZzKKlQ4jwzfyKz/s1600/OutlawGalaxy1thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN_cEPG2DyD9bCXODl1dGGbUkJvRQ7xeGsgzT2p2o0pHMQaGW9c2Nerhb7S-o6XmGv-BXHOukltkuGsNw8h_bzx9nkCs9zPH9phyphenhyphene4o8Hw3ZjShSgZOFaOowRWu6iU5ZzKKlQ4jwzfyKz/s1600/OutlawGalaxy1thumb.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Outlaw Galaxy 1: Trip and the Space Pirates</b> Benjamin "Trip" Trippany lives with his Uncle Craz in the busy port city of Pennick's Crossing, working in his Uncle's starship repair bay while dreaming of someday having his own ship and adventuring among the stars. A chance encounter and chase through the bustling city delivers him into the clutches of Diamond Black Joe, the infamous space pirate. Forced to join the pirate gang, Trip learns that they plan to attack and capture a Sh'nar cargo ship fleet, where his best friend Jinx works. Forced to choose between his own safety and saving his best friend, Trip is plunged into a rousing space adventure filled with deep space battles, shipboard blaster shoot-outs with pirates and a desperate struggle to save the Sh'nar from Diamond Black Joe's pirate gang. Novel, 69,000 words, 197 pages, reading time: about four and a half hours.<br />
<h2>
Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPWcSBVip9FOWPyTmf2oWSEvKxeshPGzEqjMNAWJ4nUkv4_aHa8tTpKEkSLY9esXWFRbul6f0R-hH6zrVmazBVzbk8q9X6l0uFj0a7Ymd7uwICKxfFiSYZFEZRS-nyqUjkgxsKHNkkz9m/s1600/VehiclesVessels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="197" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPWcSBVip9FOWPyTmf2oWSEvKxeshPGzEqjMNAWJ4nUkv4_aHa8tTpKEkSLY9esXWFRbul6f0R-hH6zrVmazBVzbk8q9X6l0uFj0a7Ymd7uwICKxfFiSYZFEZRS-nyqUjkgxsKHNkkz9m/s200/VehiclesVessels.JPG" width="156" /></a></div>
</h2>
A comprehensive guide to 100 of the coolest starships and vehicles from the classic <i>Star Wars</i> movies, novels, comic books and games. How does Luke Skywalker's X-wing stack up against the Empire's TIE Interceptor? How deadly were the Empire's Death Stars? What makes the <i>Millennium Falcon</i> the "fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy"? Each entry includes a description of the vehicle or starship, as well as an illustration and detailed diagram. Del Rey Books * $18 * ISBN 0-345-39299-X<br />
<h2>
Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK7mLfQBCYlpM4fPc-FzmFskzrocqPa_b4-L7kbyDIrR4QNW7KYulDpieDoBsVi7Xgcy86sCMLlfFSDFwJGlMnTQmK92jUFZMuCRR3tnjKrPlpWqUxkfBwzV2sgphhNA897KpOSva4B4r/s1600/WeapTech_small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK7mLfQBCYlpM4fPc-FzmFskzrocqPa_b4-L7kbyDIrR4QNW7KYulDpieDoBsVi7Xgcy86sCMLlfFSDFwJGlMnTQmK92jUFZMuCRR3tnjKrPlpWqUxkfBwzV2sgphhNA897KpOSva4B4r/s1600/WeapTech_small.JPG" /></a></div>
</h2>
A guide to the gadgets and weapons of the <i>Star Wars</i> universe, from lightsabers, Chewbacca's bowcaster and blasters to holographic imaging systems and Boba Fett's rocket pack. Includes descriptions of hand-held and starship weapons, "everyday" technology, espionage gear and exotic, "one-of-a-kind" items. Del Rey Books * $18 * ISBN 0-345-41413-6<br />
<h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRSXvt-8VWKHbWZtJvuYVdIwhyuHgJGV4ez94d_0QGqOVeU47XcxLJS5s9GmLRmkzyck96wbtqY5tIzQQVEPZ-lccJDhy7UqZ5N2g1UZx5ZZkhtnXsIsdNvErn8Us-V3SO1RxqBmzzeSH/s1600/Swrpg_small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRSXvt-8VWKHbWZtJvuYVdIwhyuHgJGV4ez94d_0QGqOVeU47XcxLJS5s9GmLRmkzyck96wbtqY5tIzQQVEPZ-lccJDhy7UqZ5N2g1UZx5ZZkhtnXsIsdNvErn8Us-V3SO1RxqBmzzeSH/s1600/Swrpg_small.JPG" /></a></div>
Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded</h2>
Don't just read the novels, join the action! Take on the role of a Rebel fighter pilot, a Jedi Knight, a smuggler or anything else you can imagine as you and your friends battle the forces of the evil galactic Empire.<br />
<br />
Praised for the simplicity and intuitiveness of the D6 role-playing system introduced in the first edition of the game, the Second Edition greatly expanded techniques for cinematic storytelling, added many more skill and character type options, and greatly expanded the scope of the <i>Star Wars</i> roleplaying game to cover all eras, from Republic era to well into the New Republic era, while detailing how to player all types of characters beyond the traditional "Rebels vs. the Empire" roles.<br />
<br />
Both editions available on Amazon: I recommend <i>Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded,</i> although the original <i>Second Edition</i> is also available. By Bill Smith, Peter Schweighofer, George R. Strayton, Paul Sudlow, Eric S. Trautmann, Greg Farshtey * West End Games * ISBN 0-87431-435-6 <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGFQpkRmpE0gz6-hvCSSlSOp-TazP8izbvRIPKBmDSKdEbi5NedElYwR5STSrnOooy7W-5dhgIK9rZwGR4O7K8OeywTCBVAqI3ZPBf7meV6lRxkM5OUVw_XhvstBoYmZNiO2RAlowJ5v-/s1600/FleetImperial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGFQpkRmpE0gz6-hvCSSlSOp-TazP8izbvRIPKBmDSKdEbi5NedElYwR5STSrnOooy7W-5dhgIK9rZwGR4O7K8OeywTCBVAqI3ZPBf7meV6lRxkM5OUVw_XhvstBoYmZNiO2RAlowJ5v-/s1600/FleetImperial.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Star Wars: Ships of the Fleet: The Galactic Empire</b> An amazing three-dimensional "pop-up" book with a comprehensive guide to the Empire's most deadly starships and vehicles. See the interior of an AT-AT Walker, find out how the many types of TIE fighters stack up in battle...and see, in dramatic fashion, how the Empire's Super Star Destroyer <i>Executor</i> stacks up against the other ships in the fleet! Little, Brown * ISBN 0-7522-2270-8<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1A6_57hXam603uRyltmLPFFM0PVbS_QxlVZ40HqIVyj4buqXovUQj_5cmhECtgT9NSjyssZgN-m_I3mqD2fcN9fh_yt_CXb5wq73s6EqRzETjBPhaf1OrVe1qJV6KjwwkMD6ZCr6QN6j/s1600/FleetRebel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1A6_57hXam603uRyltmLPFFM0PVbS_QxlVZ40HqIVyj4buqXovUQj_5cmhECtgT9NSjyssZgN-m_I3mqD2fcN9fh_yt_CXb5wq73s6EqRzETjBPhaf1OrVe1qJV6KjwwkMD6ZCr6QN6j/s1600/FleetRebel.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>Star Wars: Ships of the Fleet: The Rebel Alliance</b> The Rebel Alliance's most powerful combat vehicles and starships are described in this fascinating three-dimensional pop-up book. See the interior of Luke Skywalker's X-wing and the workhorse Y-wing fighter, find out about the Alliance's amazing A-wing and B-wing fighters and learn about the Mon Calamari battle cruisers and their orbiting starship yards! Little, Brown * ISBN 0-7522-2275-9<br />
<h2>
For Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (West End Games)</h2>
<b>Author</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>The DarkStryder Campaign (Boxed Set)*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-thvgtKjfAJFjWHthSqYEqi8SNzHpU8kXfrdqwsQRP6QiHfwfNefPZm0F7USy981ekO-CqZ-G__4Dei657Ti6AYrCVju4bxC8ZjigJnffTfhx9dYQx3JBmJdjddwvg8JvA_FR1C8xSfh4/s1600/darkstryder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="311" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-thvgtKjfAJFjWHthSqYEqi8SNzHpU8kXfrdqwsQRP6QiHfwfNefPZm0F7USy981ekO-CqZ-G__4Dei657Ti6AYrCVju4bxC8ZjigJnffTfhx9dYQx3JBmJdjddwvg8JvA_FR1C8xSfh4/s200/darkstryder.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
</i></li>
<li><i>Creatures of the Galaxy.*</i></li>
<li><i>Galaxy Guide 8: Scouts.*</i></li>
<li><i>Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition.</i></li>
<li><i>Planets of the Galaxy, Volume One.*</i></li>
<li><i>Star Wars Gamemaster Kit.*</i></li>
</ul>
* Co-Author<br />
<br />
<b>Editor/Developer for Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (West End Games)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Secrets of the Sisar Run</i></li>
<li><i>The Black Sands of Socorro</i></li>
<li><i>Hives of Scum and Villainy</i></li>
<li><i>Mos Eisley Adventure Set</i></li>
<li><i>No Disintegrations</i></li>
<li><i>Operation: Elrood</i></li>
<li><i>Star Wars Gamemaster Screen, Revised</i></li>
<li><i>Shadows of the Empire Planets Collection</i></li>
<li><i>Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook</i></li>
<li><i>Imperial Entanglements</i></li>
<li><i>The Truce at Bakura Sourcebook</i></li>
<li><i>Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens, Enemies and Allies</i></li>
<li><i>The DarkStryder Campaign (Boxed Set)</i></li>
<li><i>Alliance Intelligence Reports</i></li>
<li><i>Fantastic Technology</i></li>
<li><i>Platt's Starport Guide</i></li>
<li><i>Goroth: Slave of the Empire</i></li>
<li><i>Classic Campaigns</i></li>
<li><i>Creatures of the Galaxy</i></li>
<li><i>Star Wars Miniatures Battles Companion</i></li>
<li><i>The Star Wars Planets Collection</i></li>
<li><i>Galaxy Guide 11: Criminal Organizations</i></li>
<li><i>Imperial Sourcebook, Second Edition</i></li>
<li><i>Rebel Alliance Sourcebook, Second Edition</i></li>
<li><i>The Last Command Sourcebook</i></li>
<li><i>Galaxy Guide 10: Bounty Hunters</i></li>
<li><i>Han Solo and the Corporate Sector Sourcebook</i></li>
<li><i>Star Wars Movie Trilogy Sourcebook</i></li>
<li><i>Planets of the Galaxy, Volume Three</i></li>
<li><i>Dark Empire Sourcebook</i></li>
<li><i>Galaxy Guide 9: Fragments from the Rim</i></li>
<li><i>Star Wars Gamemaster Handbook</i></li>
<li><i>Wanted by Cracken</i></li>
<li><i>Galaxy Guide 7: Mos Eisley</i></li>
<li><i>Star Wars: Gamemaster Screen</i></li>
<li><i>Dark Force Rising Sourcebook</i></li>
<li><i>The Politics of Contraband</i></li>
<li><i>Heir to the Empire Sourcebook</i></li>
<li><i>The Abduction of Crying Dawn Singer</i></li>
<li><i>Mission to Lianna</i></li>
<li><i>Planet of the Mists</i></li>
<li><i>Planets of the Galaxy, Volume One</i></li>
<li><i>Death Star Technical Companion</i></li>
<li><i>Star Wars Gamemaster Kit</i></li>
<li><i>Cracken's Rebel Field Guide</i></li>
</ul>
<h2>
Magazine Articles</h2>
<ul>
<li>"Aliens Among Us", <i>Star Wars Kids</i> magazine, #2 (February/March 1999).</li>
<li>"Behind the Wheel--With Kids Who Race!", <i>Star Wars Kids</i> magazine, #3 (April/May 1999).</li>
<li>"Brain Blasters," "Who is That Alien?" Monthly columns. <i>Star Wars Kids</i> magazine.</li>
<li>"Boba Fett" poster for <i>Star Wars: Boba Fett</i> collectors' magazine.</li>
<li>"The Jedi Knights" poster <i>Star Wars Galaxy</i> magazine.</li>
<li><i>Star Wars Villains</i> poster magazine.</li>
<li>"The Imperial Fleet" magazine article. <i>Science Fiction Spectacular</i>.</li>
<li>"Hunting the Hunters." <i>Star Wars Galaxy</i> magazine, #6.</li>
<li>"Battle of Cadinth." <i>Star Wars Galaxy</i> magazine, #2.</li>
<li>"Taggor Bren." <i>Star Wars Galaxy</i> magazine, #1.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Other Writing Credits</h2>
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRISXRqPjWgTOwvxNq8O_GhnPiQHg9HhhsTICoQAs1Z4vLJ4st0wdRJ7QZB8qBNc5FAVWgWbny232LygzMthMT5js_cQ7BESpQGcVEbryXKNWZwZPGjvf6xfrRsiL48jVdRevy_LOcxV7V/s1600/dragonsoverengland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="215" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRISXRqPjWgTOwvxNq8O_GhnPiQHg9HhhsTICoQAs1Z4vLJ4st0wdRJ7QZB8qBNc5FAVWgWbny232LygzMthMT5js_cQ7BESpQGcVEbryXKNWZwZPGjvf6xfrRsiL48jVdRevy_LOcxV7V/s200/dragonsoverengland.jpg" width="122" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9bHFmXLe9slzTNzCr5qRu9T8UP_xTrddfxtRpbfkOsHHiBQXwgOTV3Mz2nKsD_-FTMSXQ6XtCxzR8ynoo_zt43LKmAwBEVaKhHIBuOYpkgrNFXE3IYeZCs05yyV9ZEz2EuAjZxUOu6Ux/s1600/mysteriouscairo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="211" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9bHFmXLe9slzTNzCr5qRu9T8UP_xTrddfxtRpbfkOsHHiBQXwgOTV3Mz2nKsD_-FTMSXQ6XtCxzR8ynoo_zt43LKmAwBEVaKhHIBuOYpkgrNFXE3IYeZCs05yyV9ZEz2EuAjZxUOu6Ux/s200/mysteriouscairo.jpg" width="120" /></a>
<li>Press releases and website maintenance for <a href="http://mohawkintlraceway.com/" target="_blank">Mohawk International Raceway</a>, Hogansburg, NY. (2009-2010 seasons).</li>
<li>Copywriter, www.HersheysRacing.com (2001-2002 seasons; website now inactive).</li>
<li>Promoter, press releases and announcer for Frogtown International Speedway (now <a href="http://mohawkintlraceway.com/" target="_blank">Mohawk International Raceway</a>), Hogansburg, NY (1998-1999 seasons).</li>
<li>Columnist, <a href="http://www.aarn.com/">Area Auto Racing News</a> (1998 season).</li>
<li><i>Star Wars Finest: Vehicles and Vessels</i> trading cards.</li>
<li>"The Devil You Know." <i>Shattered and Other Stories</i> (for Shatterzone), West End Games.</li>
<li>"The Dreams of Midnight." <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Torg-Mysterious-Cairo-Greg-Gorden/dp/0874313465/">Mysterious Cairo</a></i> (for Torg), West End Games.</li>
<li>"Gypsor's Luck." <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-over-England-Greg-Gorden/dp/0874313422/">Dragons Over England</a></i> (for Torg), West End Games</li>
</ul>
BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-57948059945732279532020-04-20T18:36:00.003-04:002020-05-03T16:26:18.123-04:00Bill Smith Biography<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjne8ASGdtXF5YbuSedGdvagurOYrJkbOoqRhDizorODCtpidd5T59HrN-mOXNZrnJhc1xPbULGVtU3ySoyNGs-j-P0kpHO399S5pO5SX88e5Qb3dTVhPmJicA6LDL49zq41nGizBdwhHFG/s1600/billwriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="364" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjne8ASGdtXF5YbuSedGdvagurOYrJkbOoqRhDizorODCtpidd5T59HrN-mOXNZrnJhc1xPbULGVtU3ySoyNGs-j-P0kpHO399S5pO5SX88e5Qb3dTVhPmJicA6LDL49zq41nGizBdwhHFG/s320/billwriting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill, hard at work writing at a beach ... in the woods (it's an<br />Adriondacks thing). I write all of my first drafts by hand in<br />cursive. Go ask an old person what cursive is, kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bill Smith's books have sold nearly half a million copies. He has written for leading publishers such as Del Rey Books, Little Brown, Lucasfilm, Topps, West End Games, TSR Inc. and Wizard Press.<br />
<br />
From 1991 to 1997, he served as the <i>Star Wars</i> roleplaying game line editor for West End Games. In 1995, he was voted "Favorite Designer" by the RPGA, the world's largest organization for role-playing game enthusiasts. He has also written for Hershey Foods, the WIT Agency, and has been involved in motorsports promotion, marketing and journalism for nearly three decades.<br />
<br />
Bill can't remember a time that he didn't love science fiction and fantasy. He remembers being three or four years old and watching <i>Star Trek</i> reruns with his Mom and spending time in his Kindergarten class drawing crude pictures of Sleestaks and thinking up new story ideas for <i>Land of the Lost</i>.<br />
<br />
Bill was in the fourth grade when he realized that he wanted to be an author. Growing up in a small, rural town, he discovered <i>Star Wars</i> not through the movies, but through comics and novels.<br />
<br />
He very clearly remembers pestering a classmate to borrow his copy of the Marvel <i>Star Wars</i> Super Special, flipping through drawings of X-Wing and TIE fighters battling above the Death Star, and thinking to himself, "I want to write <i><b>this</b></i> when I grow up!" He then got the <i>Star Wars </i>novelization and <i>The Star Wars Album</i> with all kinds of cool pictures and deatils. It was love.<br />
<br />
His fate was decided. He spent countless hours writing stories featuring Han Solo and his trusty sidekick, Luke Skywalker, and soon after that, added <i>Battlestar Galactica</i> and <i>Buck Rogers</i> stories, in addition to creating his own characters and settings. In eighth grade, he spent a few minutes flipping through a friend's <i>Dungeons and Dragons</i> rulebook and was captivated. It led to a long-time fascination with creating adventures set in the world of elves, orcs, and twenty-sided dice. At about the same time, he also discovered and fell in love with Marvel and DC comics, read his first Tolkien and Terry Brooks, and his homeroom teacher introduced him to the wonderful Brian Daley <i>Han Solo</i> novels.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RRhExFFk_ZIAOx72VRW7K4GME5DddLR6LDSlWBW-w8ZnHwBUyzffET5xNX7imcLVWVb8rL0fR_b3hA60ziBIX3CYXLL6K_CCgGVdEdJLgtRUQvUsk1HpMFJwoxLsZpbD84DHm1lwl-uQ/s1600/billnewauthor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RRhExFFk_ZIAOx72VRW7K4GME5DddLR6LDSlWBW-w8ZnHwBUyzffET5xNX7imcLVWVb8rL0fR_b3hA60ziBIX3CYXLL6K_CCgGVdEdJLgtRUQvUsk1HpMFJwoxLsZpbD84DHm1lwl-uQ/s1600/billnewauthor.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bill, his wife Amy, and their son, Billy. (summer 2019)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bill earned a BA Public Communications (1990) from the The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, where he was editor of the student newspaper. During his college years, he also did public relations and race announcing for the Champlain Valley Racing Association, all the while hoping to write roleplaying games, comics and fiction professionally.<br />
<br />
In 1991, Bill joined West End Games and fulfilled his childhood dream of professionally writing and developing role-playing games and stories. As line editor for the <i>Star Wars</i> roleplaying game, he edited or contributed to over forty <i>Star Wars</i> game products, authored updated versions of the game, and wrote two <i>Star Wars Essential Guides</i> for Del Rey books. Bill also consulted on several projects for Lucasfilm, including the <i>X-Wing</i> computer game guidebook, the Parker Brothers <i>Star Wars Monopoly</i> edition, several <i>Star Wars</i> novels, and the <i>Star Wars Customizable Card Game</i> from Decipher.<br />
<br />
In 1997, Bill left West End Games. He and his wife returned to their hometown in the foothills of New York's Adirondack Mountains. At that time, he began writing what would become the <i>Outlaw Galaxy</i> series. In addition, he served as PR director and promoter at <a href="http://mohawkintlraceway.com/" target="_blank">Mohawk International Raceway</a> (then Frogtown International Speedway) and taught at a local high school.<br />
<br />
In 2000, Bill and his wife moved to Central Pennsylvania, where he worked as a copywriter for an advertising agency. He developed and wrote the original HersheysRacing.com website (now inactive). In addition, he has held a number of jobs, both dreadfully ordinary and delightfully unusual. He particularly enjoyed his time as a ghost tour guide in Gettysburg, PA (<a href="http://www.ghostsofgettysburg.com/">GhostsOfGettysburg.com</a>) and as announcer at <a href="http://www.hagerstownspeedway.com/">Hagerstown Speedway</a> and Susquehanna Speedway Park (now <a href="https://www.bapsmotorspeedway.com/" target="_blank">BAPS Motor Speedway</a>).<br />
<br />
In 2004, Bill and his wife returned to their hometown in Northern New York, in the foothills of New York's Adirondack Mountains and just a few miles from the Canadian border. They still live in their hometown, with their son Billy and their adopted poodle, Ted, and enjoy much laughter and a great deal of gratitude for the many blessings they have in their lives.<br />
<br />
Bill works a day job to support his writing habit and enjoys writing <i>Outlaw Galaxy</i> stories. He hopes you enjoy them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC-9kxBCZVm_YCwcoEti6oXJ0Qvlf6P8ZrcWq7fHKcKnNwSiGN860EwU2qQL2rmMjd2w39oly6ncVtWVTpRrDS1GbiLDZZnjFhC2HSJhdulPwLoiCN6SnirbAetZ3fTpaNBlD4DtcPtrf/s1600/200417BillBilly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRC-9kxBCZVm_YCwcoEti6oXJ0Qvlf6P8ZrcWq7fHKcKnNwSiGN860EwU2qQL2rmMjd2w39oly6ncVtWVTpRrDS1GbiLDZZnjFhC2HSJhdulPwLoiCN6SnirbAetZ3fTpaNBlD4DtcPtrf/s320/200417BillBilly.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">A cold Spring day, Billy and Bill hanging out ... </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1JIrfjQadTbQkNEfeAxEhMIJ9oUf4IinWJJgXD-hzUtOo0IxN5vfJNHX4-ydFygH5mWmvL4WRE1V2G18qJhkg18CvLcQTYdCuVD-x4IO-SMN69Zysjjd4xRpZIqw5MnXinaIhahky2dO/s1600/200417AmyTed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1JIrfjQadTbQkNEfeAxEhMIJ9oUf4IinWJJgXD-hzUtOo0IxN5vfJNHX4-ydFygH5mWmvL4WRE1V2G18qJhkg18CvLcQTYdCuVD-x4IO-SMN69Zysjjd4xRpZIqw5MnXinaIhahky2dO/s320/200417AmyTed.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>While Ted the poodle photobombs Amy. "Excellent!"</i><br />
<br style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-22578355884065624792019-09-25T22:57:00.009-04:002021-12-18T13:56:19.633-05:00"We've Come A Long Way," An Outlaw Galaxy short story<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"We've Come A Long Way" appears in <i>Outlaw Galaxy 4: Little Wind and Other Tales</i>, available for free at<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px;"> </span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/872054" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px;">, </span><a href="https://payhip.com/b/DMc3" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Payhip</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px;">, </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-little-wind-and-other-tales" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px;">, </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1128987074" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px;">, or the </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/outlaw-galaxy-little-wind-and-other-tales/id1406017904" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> store, as well as a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yBa53NvY-9H13DoRw4Q-BSeKZASaBVPpNzipPAKOPqM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">direct download</a>. Sorry <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F5BBLWL/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Amazo</span>n Kindle</a> people<span>, but Amazon insists on charging 99 cents for this collection. </span> I hope you enjoy this story! (If you like it, "Tip Jar" contributions can be made at <a href="http://paypal.me/outlawgalaxybill">paypal.me/outlawgalaxybill</a>.)</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBwjUI1N0p3Z8Le2ZUO9DtUiEEBVU7Ev2h1QjzCvc3rXuxHWKDgvzn2bGZYVOVn6QLKNl0PooNzazq8VJJZfwYQuDvpOoy5xy1w00VMzt2bRQmC7CpE7jqXGyfW_Ew6qF02zhkDLlVVno/s1600/OG4coverfinal.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBwjUI1N0p3Z8Le2ZUO9DtUiEEBVU7Ev2h1QjzCvc3rXuxHWKDgvzn2bGZYVOVn6QLKNl0PooNzazq8VJJZfwYQuDvpOoy5xy1w00VMzt2bRQmC7CpE7jqXGyfW_Ew6qF02zhkDLlVVno/s320/OG4coverfinal.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">~ * ~</span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<i>In the distant future...</i><i><br /></i><i>It is a time of legends and myths, of technology and magic,</i><i>of epic struggles and journeys to the stars...</i><i><br /></i><i>A time when great heroes confront the forces of darkness...</i><i><br /></i><i>A time when adventure beckons across the Billion Worlds of Outlaw Galaxy!</i></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>We've Come A Long Way</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>An Outlaw Galaxy short story</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"We've come a long way." Brandt spoke softly as he held the glass in his right hand, gazing out the lounge's viewport and taking in the breathtaking view of the planet Wynnsparrle. Red-pink cloud cover dominated the viewport. Just a tiny sliver of open space was visible above the curvature of the planet.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The immediate area near the viewport was filled with starships, most of them cargo freighters waiting for permission to dock here at StarStation Tkerthian Home. In the distance, dozens of ships -- small flecks of varied colors trailing tails of fire from their engines -- criss-crossed above the planet. Some of the ships were angling nose-first to dive into the clouds and drop down to the starports on the planet's surface, while others pushed for open space, headed for jump points to distant stars.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Brandt looked into his glass, now half empty, and swirled the remaining green liquid to create a miniature whirlpool. His nose caught the aroma of Friigin spice, inviting and sweet, and he took a long, slow drink. He let the thick, syrupy mead coat his teeth and tongue, then swallowed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">His partner, Ghaz, nodded with a grunt. "A long way? You're telling me! Vistrik to Wynnsparrle in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">three</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> days? That's over fifty light years of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hard</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> flying."</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Brandt chuckled. "That's not what I'm talking about." He finished his drink, savoring the rich flavor of this local brew. He felt the burn on the way down.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Ghaz shook his head as he gazed around the lounge, continuing on as if Brandt hadn't said a word. "Not a lot of pilots could lay claim to Vistrik to Wynnsparrle in three days. No, not many at all."</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"I'm sure you're right, Ghaz," Brandt said as he looked out across the lounge. There were plenty of pilots here, sitting, eating, drinking, chatting, going through the motions without any real enthusiasm or interest. They, like Brandt and Ghaz, were just waiting to move on as soon as their ships were refueled and loaded with crates and containers destined for planets in other systems. They were all vagabonds, stopping here and there on worlds scattered across hundreds of light years, never staying anywhere for long.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brandt turned back to the viewport and stared down at the planet. "That's not what I was trying to say, Ghaz. Think about </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">this</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Who knows </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">how many</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> millennia ago, we were just primitives. Imagine what life must have been like. Huddled around fires, living in caves, wearing animal skins, hunting with spears. Fearing the night and the dark. We must have been little more than animals ... and yet </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">somehow</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> we made this incredible journey. We invented tools, medicine, technology ... developed art and literature. We grew. We somehow got to the point where we left the world that gave birth to us ... in fact, we left so long ago that we don't even </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">remember</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> which planet it was. And now? Now, we can jump from one star to another in a few </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hours</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We've spread across ... how far? Perhaps the whole galaxy? We can engineer life-forms, build intelligent machines ... transform </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">entire planets</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">." Brandt paused, then smiled at his partner. "Like I said, we've come a long way."</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"Hm." Ghaz shook his head.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Brandt stared at his partner. The expression on the man's face made Brandt wonder if his partner was inspired ... or frightened and ready to ask, "Who are you and what have you done with my partner?"</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"It was just a thought," Brandt muttered, backing away from his observations with a weary shrug.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Finally, Ghaz smiled and emptied his glass, tipping it towards Brandt in a polite salute. "Never knew that underneath those calloused hands and behind that crooked smile lurked the soul of a philosopher ... a poet."</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"A poet? Never thought of myself that way." Brandt cocked his head to the side and grinned proudly. "But I think I like that." He looked down at his empty glass and, with a satisfied smile repeated, "A poet."</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Ghaz glanced at his chrono, then looked up at his partner and eyed the empty glass. "Our ship's supposed to be ready within the hour. You okay to fly?"</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">"What? A man can't have a profound thought now and then?"</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Just checking," Ghaz said with a wink, not mentioning the many arguments and fights when Brandt had been ... well, describing his behavior as </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">less than philosophical</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> would be stating it politely.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I'm fine." Brandt shrugged, as if following Ghaz's train of thought. "I don't think about things like that too often, but sitting here, gazing out at that planet and all of those ships ... well, our ancestors couldn't </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">imagine</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> what it would be like to live in a time when jumping from one star to another was </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ordinary.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Oh sure, there were maybe a few who looked up into the sky and saw the stars and dreamed ... but us? We're about to jump to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">another star</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and our biggest concern is getting our ship loaded so we can get to Abaater on time and get paid. We have come from such humble origins ... ." Brandt shrugged again, then looked at his friend. "It's awesome when you think about it, that's all. Don't you ever think about that?"</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Ghaz was about to shake his head and admit that, no, he hadn't ever thought about anything even remotely like that.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Then, from the back of the lounge, there was the din of rising voices and a flurry of sudden movement. Three men and a couple of aliens Brandt couldn't identify jumped to their feet. The room fell silent as the argument's intensity increased. Arms waved and fingers pointed and faces contorted in anger. Brandt glimpsed an all too familiar swish of movement as the participants reached for their blasters. Brandt and Ghaz were among the first to dive beneath their tables.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Blaster pistols whined. Flashes of light lit the murky tavern in strobing pulses. The smell of ozone filled the air as energy beams exploded off walls and tables. Brandt nodded towards the entrance. "I think it's time to go."</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Ghaz gave a quick nod. The pair crouched low, scooting across the floor on hands and knees, using tables, chairs and other patrons for cover as they crept towards the door.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">As they dove through the entrance and emerged into the safety of the StarStation's main courtyard, Ghaz glanced back towards the tavern and the sounds of battle. "We may have come a long way ... but we've still got a long ways to go." He let slip a grin and elbowed his partner in the ribs. "Maybe the poets will show us the way."</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As Ghaz disappeared into the crowd, Brandt smiled. "Or maybe, </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">eventually</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, this journey will make poets of us all." He winced as more sounds of blaster fire echoed from the back of the tavern. "Maybe someday."</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">~ * ~</span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.6pt;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks for reading! Please feel free to check out the entire selection of <a href="https://billsmithbooks.blogspot.com/2019/09/outlaw-galaxy-books.html" target="_blank"><i>Outlaw Galaxy</i> books</a>.</span></span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of the <i>Outlaw Galaxy</i> books now available:</span></span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Outlaw Galaxy 4: Little Wind and Other Tales. </i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Short story collection available </span></span></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">at</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/872054" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://payhip.com/b/DMc3" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Payhip</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">, </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-little-wind-and-other-tales" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1128987074" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">, or the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/outlaw-galaxy-little-wind-and-other-tales/id1406017904" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">store. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">About 15,000 words or 45 paperback pages, reading time: about one hour. </span></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">FREE! 99 cents at <a href="Amazon Kindle" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle</a>. </span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Outlaw Galaxy 3: Hunter's Truth and Other Tales. </i>Short story collection available at </span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/696358" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://payhip.com/b/EfJ4" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Payhip</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">, </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7S8R49/" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-hunter-s-truth-and-other-tales" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1125502571" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">or the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/outlaw-galaxy-hunters-truth-and-other-tales/id1196078461" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">store. </span><a href="http://www.billsmithbooks.com/og3.html" style="background-color: white; color: #33aaff; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Read a sample</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">About 18,500 words or 53 pages, reading time: one hour. </span></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">99 cents. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"><i><b>Outlaw Galaxy 2: Fugitive Among the Stars. </b></i></span><a href="http://www.billsmithbooks.com/og2.html" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Read an extended sample</a> (first 10 chapters)<span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">or check out the book at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/956706" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://payhip.com/b/vjYK" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Payhip</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XCRWSBX" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-fugitive-among-the-stars" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1133335865" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">or the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/outlaw-galaxy-fugitive-among-the-stars/id1478723769" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">store. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">Novel, about 72,500 words or 207 pages, reading time: five hours. $2.99 at most retailers.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"><i><b>Outlaw Galaxy 1: Trip and the Space Pirates.</b> </i><a href="http://www.billsmithbooks.com/og1.html" target="_blank">Read an extended sample</a> (first 13 chapters) Available at</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/894454" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://payhip.com/b/13pn" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Payhip</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">, </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H717Z9V/" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-trip-and-the-space-pirates" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Kobo</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1129519925" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">or the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/outlaw-galaxy-trip-and-the-space-pirates/id1436107968" style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 0px;" target="_blank">Apple iBooks</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;">store. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="color: #212529;">About 73,000 words or 210 pages, reading time: 5 hours. $2.99 at most retailers.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #212529;">Read more </span><a href="https://billsmithbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/outlaw-galaxy-short-stories.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>Outlaw Galaxy </i>short stories</span></a><span style="color: #212529;"> for free!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: black;">If you enjoyed this story, "Tip Jar" contributions can be made at </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="http://paypal.me/outlawgalaxybill" target="_blank">paypal.me/outlawgalaxybill</a></span> -- any amount is appreciated! And please let your friends know about the <i>Outlaw Galaxy </i>series!</span></span></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-3870138975823741002019-08-01T09:29:00.000-04:002019-09-02T13:12:25.357-04:00Outlaw Galaxy 3: Hunter's Truth and Other Tales is LIVE!So excited, just wanted to share that <i>Outlaw Galaxy 3: Hunter's Truth and Other Tales</i> is now live as an ebook. It is a collection of five <i>Outlaw Galaxy</i> short stories, about 18,000 words (would equal about 65 pages in a traditional paperback, reading time is about one hour). Just 99 cents!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfJ_ieRnz8EqzQ92YOSH7nXBiHVMS1UQpox0LqDC_Wrs2a7O9HZGvFaqylXUOdy39a52L_Hpej6L7xXolvzfpS7LbCRawsLz_OFknA9oS0AnlGXevafI1eoeWjOVnfNiKHdNJK0Ql7jgp/s1600/OutlawGalaxy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfJ_ieRnz8EqzQ92YOSH7nXBiHVMS1UQpox0LqDC_Wrs2a7O9HZGvFaqylXUOdy39a52L_Hpej6L7xXolvzfpS7LbCRawsLz_OFknA9oS0AnlGXevafI1eoeWjOVnfNiKHdNJK0Ql7jgp/s200/OutlawGalaxy3.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Check out the book at <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/696358?ref=BillSmith" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> (where you can read 30% for free), <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7S8R49" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outlaw-galaxy-bill-smith/1125502571?ean=2940153963686" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook</a>, <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/outlaw-galaxy-hunter-s-truth-and-other-tales" target="_blank">Kobo</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/book/outlaw-galaxy-hunters-truth/id1196078461" target="_blank">Apple iTunes</a> and many other retailers.<br />
<br />
For those not familiar with Smashwords, it is the world's leading distributor of independent ebooks and offers downloads in all major formats -- mobi for Kindle, Epub, PDF, so you can read on any device in any format. DRM-free, so you can make backup copies as needed and available worldwide with no geographic restrictions. (Amazon normally charges a surcharge for readers outside the major markets.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="smashwords-widget" data-affiliate="BillSmith" data-bgcolor="#5024f0" data-buttoncolor="#ffc801" data-font="sans" data-headline="Outlaw Galaxy: Hunter's Truth and Other Tales" data-height="250" data-items="book:696358" data-ribboncolor="#f70a06" data-type="single" data-width="300" style="height: 250px; width: 300px;">
</div>
<script async="async" id="smashwords-widget-js" src="//www.smashwidgets.com/1/widgets.js"></script>BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-20009733396909359552019-07-14T07:42:00.000-04:002019-09-02T15:03:58.230-04:00Telling the Truth is a Dangerous ThingWe live in a time of outrage and atrocity, where our leaders mock the very notion of decency and compassion towards our fellow man.
We live in an era where our leader is a man who described a known child sex predator as a "great guy."<br />
<br />
An evil man who has expressed indifference at the suffering he and his policies are directly inflicting on children who have done nothing wrong.<br />
<br />
These are merely the most recent of his manifold offenses against decency and the law.<br />
<br />
Trump is torturing and traumatizing children. There is simply no other way to describe it.<br />
<br />
And those who support him are complicit and responsible by empowering him.<br />
<br />
Millions of his followers profess to say that life is sacred. Unless, of course, it is the life of an innocent child from a foreign land. Or the child of a poor person. Many of those who speak so much about their faith and moral purpose in being "pro life" express profound indifference to the suffering of those "sacred" lives once the child is born, particularly if born, through no fault of its own, into a family in poverty.<br />
<br />
They profess to respect every child's life and yet could not care less how much millions of children suffer so long as their taxes are cut and the flag is waived and the President professes to honor freedom and God, no matter how much his actual actions demonstrate that he is man only of falsehoods, not faith.<br />
<br />
The Bible in numerous places counsels believers to show compassion and kindness to foreigners, the weak, the powerless. And yet Trump's supporters, Bible in hand and quick to quote verses that are convenient to them, turn their backs on the suffering of these strangers.<br />
<br />
I hope they realize how hypocritical they are before it is too late and they face their final reckoning where Jesus turns his back and says to them, "You never knew me."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/michael-de-adder-trump-migrants-cartoon-1.5209550">Political cartoonist Michael DeAdder</a> raised a firestorm of controversy when he drew a cartoon that simply illustrated the truth of Donald Trump's depravity and cynicism and cruelty. He got fired.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVhnZ9yPuE_UcvtWghLOm36htfoHr6QvE8MMpH6wgYRtOc9cs_uOMr8OkTT0XeBqCaaDQBQYJHccQJ3vWjaAbz_fsOVan30w50YOP3e-T0k4Olbe35UjH9sQN8hhhNjUaFlE5ejlRtu5H/s1600/de-adder-trump-cartoon.webp" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="780" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVhnZ9yPuE_UcvtWghLOm36htfoHr6QvE8MMpH6wgYRtOc9cs_uOMr8OkTT0XeBqCaaDQBQYJHccQJ3vWjaAbz_fsOVan30w50YOP3e-T0k4Olbe35UjH9sQN8hhhNjUaFlE5ejlRtu5H/s400/de-adder-trump-cartoon.webp" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
He simply told the truth.<br />
<br />
Telling the truth is and always will be God's work.BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-69872611517830965422018-02-05T19:33:00.001-05:002019-09-02T14:32:56.351-04:00Setting the Record Straight<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, let's get Donald Trump's record straight:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Adam Schiff is a "big liar"</span><br />
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Journalists are the "enemy of the American People." </span><br />
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Democrats who didn't clap enough at the State of the Union address are "traitors."</span><br />
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">He said that "Second Ammendment People" should step up to prevent a lawfully elected candidate from taking office should she win the election.</span><br />
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nazis at Charlottesville who murdered a young woman are "very fine people."</span><br />
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trump demands personal loyalty from his Justice Department officials in violation of the law.</span><br />
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;">The FBI, CIA and NSA are purportedly corrupt agencies conspiring against him.</span><br />
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;">These are not just words. Donald Trump is engaging in dangerous propaganda.</span><br />
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;">He is encouraging radical, fringe elements of society to strike out. He is a danger to civil society and the rule of law. He undermines the fabric of our civil society and our form of government on a regular basis.</span><br />
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.01em; white-space: pre-wrap;">Donald Trump is a disgrace to the Presidency. And those who enable him to continue in this farce without taking action should be ashamed of themselves.</span>BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-33773477298611896922017-12-23T16:48:00.005-05:002017-12-23T16:48:54.227-05:00Happy Holidays<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Holidays!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we settle down with our families and take a moment to be thankful for all of the gifts we have been graced with this holiday season, it's good to take a moment to consider the priorities of the people in our lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/KaivanShroff/status/944269183067611136" target="_blank">Kaivan Shroff</a>)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This year, Trump has spent $91,655,424 of American taxpayer money on golf trips.
For that money, Meals on Wheels could've fed 33,117 seniors FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR.
For that money, after school programs could've fed 635,936 poor kids FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR.
Trump First. America Last.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 27px; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.27px; white-space: pre-wrap;">God bless us, everyone.</span>BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-55696875231308035532017-02-23T10:38:00.001-05:002017-06-05T18:04:07.681-04:00Seth Meyers Pierces Trump's Vainglorious Hideously Expensive, Utterly Ineffective WallSo many things I'd like to say about the ongoing dumpster-fire-trainwreck in Washington ... but Seth Meyers really puts it a lot more eloquently than I ever could about what exactly how dumb and how much of a waste of money Trump's wall is:<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wh1v74YFpSs" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Okay, here's the problem: Mr. Trump, have you learned nothing from Pacific Rim?<br />
<br />
1) You're building the wall in the wrong place. Kaiju attack from the sea.<br />
<br />
2) Walls don't stop Kaiju, they just make them angry.<br />
<br />
Seriously, you're going to need a bigger wall. A MUCH bigger wall.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="272" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/184896245?color=ffffff&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/184896245">THE NARROW WORLD</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user4073629">Brent Bonacorso</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
If link is bad, this is the short film <i>The Narrow World</i> by Brent Bonacorso, a couple of current links:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/184896245" target="_blank">The Narrow World on Vimeo</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PGKtwYptF0" target="_blank">The Narrow World on YouTube</a><br />
<br />
Or, instead of wasting 8 billion ... no 12 billion ... no, 20 billion dollars building a wall that will be ineffective and that MEXICO IS NOT GOING TO PAY FOR, maybe you could show a little leadership and use that money to do something useful.<br />
<br />
Maybe you could invest that money and help our neighbors to the south build vibrant economies with good wages, stable governments that respect human rights and provide a proper safety net, so that the people of Latin America feel that their homelands are nations of opportunity as well.<br />
<br />
People don't want to leave the homelands and their friends and families. They do so out of desperation. They look at our ideals, the words we say, the inscriptions on the Statue of Liberty, and they have hope.<br />
<br />
They think those words actually MEAN SOMETHING.<br />
<br />
If we worked with our neighbors to the south, we could build a trading bloc that is the envy of the world ... not free trade, but fair trade. Working together for mutual benefit. Creating vibrant economies where America can export its goods for a decent profit, providing jobs to our people ... and helping the peoples of other lands create the lives they have always dreamed about.<br />
<br />
You COULD do that, Mr. President. You could be a leader. You could set a grand example.<br />
<br />
You could make the world a better place instead of wrapping yourself in patriotism and the flag and preaching fear and anger.<br />
<br />
Of course, that would require hard work. It would require hard negotiations and working together, driving a good bargain where both parties benefit.<br />
<br />
Maybe you know somebody who knows how to do something like that? Instead of, you know, making up imaginary terrorist attacks and calling anyone who dares to point out your failings an enemy of the American people.BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-42479316112096049392017-01-29T10:17:00.002-05:002017-01-29T11:40:21.389-05:00Thank you, Mr. TrudeauThank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/825438460265762816" target="_blank">Justin Trudeau</a>.<br />
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #292f33; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: 0.26px; white-space: pre-wrap;">To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength </span><a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeToCanada?src=hash" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #b50000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: 0.26px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">#WelcomeToCanada</a>"<br />
<br />
I find it heartening that the Executive of our closest ally and neighbor understands American virtues and values better than the current resident of the White House.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUmkrN7W-5GBJmY6O-bgDkmrKNW7xEmBEsrZ021vKn1mDQVqTCWlPVr3sVUhq_NdvNqvke3C5-98nqUFXaGN4SBlbT3duEFHIjnWkncjdGpCsDmqh89mtQ_1vU4Z_I-oFUrqMfi9y41as/s1600/WashingtonQuote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUmkrN7W-5GBJmY6O-bgDkmrKNW7xEmBEsrZ021vKn1mDQVqTCWlPVr3sVUhq_NdvNqvke3C5-98nqUFXaGN4SBlbT3duEFHIjnWkncjdGpCsDmqh89mtQ_1vU4Z_I-oFUrqMfi9y41as/s640/WashingtonQuote.png" width="523" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/QuotesPorn/comments/5qt7xp/i_had_always_hoped_that_this_land_might_become_a/" target="_blank">(Special thanks to Reddit user strav for pointing this timely quote out.)</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-23897636020295941902014-11-30T20:30:00.000-05:002014-11-30T20:30:11.823-05:00Wanderers ... the most heart-soaring thing you will see today<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6goNzXrmFs">Wanderers, by Erik Wernquist</a>, brought to everyone's attention by <a href="http://space.io9.com/this-is-a-stunning-vision-of-humans-basking-in-our-sola-1664676360/1664858837/+rtgonzalez">io9.com</a> is an amazing short film. This is why I love science fiction. Beautiful. Worth every second of the four minutes it will take to watch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZe8lGb9A5YBDm6CQI4fVLUO6RDWtIM2rvWk9Id8qC6Tp9mTct8Rb2vpZAmCELoJGp8c1zEF1SXfBx8_K1Gpgra2VKiP2xi3sfygXJCAQ6BjXTf-YMtN08g_81kL66zZMz9M_43Oyqnsw/s1600/Jupiter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZe8lGb9A5YBDm6CQI4fVLUO6RDWtIM2rvWk9Id8qC6Tp9mTct8Rb2vpZAmCELoJGp8c1zEF1SXfBx8_K1Gpgra2VKiP2xi3sfygXJCAQ6BjXTf-YMtN08g_81kL66zZMz9M_43Oyqnsw/s1600/Jupiter.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
(Linked to Youtube because Vimeo is just flaky for me.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's <a href="http://www.erikwernquist.com/wanderers/">Erik's</a> website<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUtq0mdeztZxIliZVEtg4vSzL2LVfY0HCD0h7oBOzuPOUx8pcq8YgZqIpDrr3i8wPbFzzNDrlriiNzDiI1visjbF-SSvx1m0p0LCXXoH3Xr7A4zzUVW6wu-Fl4oALxx88UC46kIOMMIJC/s1600/Verona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUtq0mdeztZxIliZVEtg4vSzL2LVfY0HCD0h7oBOzuPOUx8pcq8YgZqIpDrr3i8wPbFzzNDrlriiNzDiI1visjbF-SSvx1m0p0LCXXoH3Xr7A4zzUVW6wu-Fl4oALxx88UC46kIOMMIJC/s1600/Verona.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-27173869975367667512014-11-30T14:32:00.002-05:002014-11-30T19:56:50.346-05:00New Star Wars trailer...and the even better Special EditionThere was much anticipation Friday with the release of the first trailer for next Christmas's <i>Star Wars: The Force Awakens.</i> (Apparently being "Episode VII" just isn't cool. Grumble.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/OMOVFvcNfvE">Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXGpnELVnzjuwbzJ9AVeanfhqC_9PSqAjiWz0rTXG5Og7bQSRQ1VG4WVTe7oOUrQORsur9LwtvZPze3Ua7s5yiQbqIIoF2EPuEQqoaYgvb-z5o9ZPj4cZ5Un0rNxuQEnbp2q79PlBty9Y/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXGpnELVnzjuwbzJ9AVeanfhqC_9PSqAjiWz0rTXG5Og7bQSRQ1VG4WVTe7oOUrQORsur9LwtvZPze3Ua7s5yiQbqIIoF2EPuEQqoaYgvb-z5o9ZPj4cZ5Un0rNxuQEnbp2q79PlBty9Y/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Overall...meh. I have high hopes that the new <i>Star Wars</i> movie will be awesome. JJ Abrams, Disney...yeah, they have a good-to-great track record. I mean this could be really cool, <i>Star Trek: Into Darkness</i> not withstanding.<br />
<br />
The trailer had some "gee, maybe this will be cool" stuff in it, but nothing that made me squee with joy.<br />
<br />
And I could really do without the cutesy beachball droid.<br />
<br />
But now, we already have <i>Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Special Edition,</i> with all kinds of special enhancements.<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1044047070"><br /></a>
<a href="http://youtu.be/v93Jh6JNBng">Star Wars: The Force Awakens Special Edition trailer</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p0mpwkLsakuNO8IGHKKRdu-xwO7ZRVwsvttkq9_dXkPB0hKKFt-25OXW6e5bkLpSAieA-EPdKFtCnKbIiVSRIE0uN2Pps61YFFh2_irqOAVYisX4JavpmkQdWI7Xe_iFXFJYp6EoeQpC/s1600/specialedition.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p0mpwkLsakuNO8IGHKKRdu-xwO7ZRVwsvttkq9_dXkPB0hKKFt-25OXW6e5bkLpSAieA-EPdKFtCnKbIiVSRIE0uN2Pps61YFFh2_irqOAVYisX4JavpmkQdWI7Xe_iFXFJYp6EoeQpC/s1600/specialedition.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nods, smiles. I approve.BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-81155160918315011152012-06-06T18:32:00.002-04:002012-06-06T18:40:30.653-04:00Live Forever Ray Bradbury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdZiL_fLW1K9xSLJOpNXbLgFC_ZZDfPeHzMhV9F8RDYhc9dlkOnL3As-eiI1zfD3Y1lHG75n5m5doHLMJZfGxhgOGruLGZ-IT-8CG5uBOXCNhdcUI-sTe18YOq4SOfqSbtdjHgtVlCO-N/s1600/220px-Ray_Bradbury_(1975).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdZiL_fLW1K9xSLJOpNXbLgFC_ZZDfPeHzMhV9F8RDYhc9dlkOnL3As-eiI1zfD3Y1lHG75n5m5doHLMJZfGxhgOGruLGZ-IT-8CG5uBOXCNhdcUI-sTe18YOq4SOfqSbtdjHgtVlCO-N/s1600/220px-Ray_Bradbury_(1975).jpg" /></a></div>
Ray Bradbury passed last night and the world has a little less magic,
a little less wonder, a little less adventure. The stars, once within
our grasp but receding ever since Apollo fell from the Moon back to
dusty, dreary Earth, are today even a little farther away than they were
yesterday.<br />
<br />
I came to appreciate Ray Bradbury's genius later than many readers. As a
teenager, his works never captured my attention--not compared to the <i>X-Men</i> and <i>Star Wars</i> and <i>Dungeons and Dragons</i>.<br />
<br />
But I returned to Ray's work later, in my early thirties, and when I cracked open <i>The Illustrated Man</i>, I caught his magic. From there, I was seared (and yet chilled) by the firemen of <i>Fahrenheit 451</i>. I felt my heart soar as a family peered down into a canal and realized, "Yes, <i>we</i> are the Martians." I felt the wonder and innocence of childhood as Mr. Dark's
carnival raced into town under the cover of deep, darkest night while
all the good and kindly folks were deep in slumber. We met late in life,
Ray's work and I, but I soon came to realize what a treasure he was.<br />
<br />
As I learned more of Ray, I came to profoundly respect him. Born of very
humble means, he was shy, not athletic, but boy, did he love stories.
He was unable to go to college. Instead, he educated himself and formed
his writing style by regular visits to the library. And while I'm sure
some considered him a little smug and overconfident, especially for a
lowly writer of sci-fi
and horror pulp stories, I choose to see him as determined: Determined
to write the stories he wanted to write. Determined to make something of
himself. Determined not to let anyone else define him. Ray wrote what
he wanted and if you didn't like it, that truly was your problem, not
his. As an author, I take great inspiration from his integrity and
discipline.<br />
<br />
Ray had the most amazing writing style, creating true poetry and mood on
every page, in every paragraph. A master of mood and tone, he'd smile
his storyteller's smile and before you knew it, you were swept away on a
wondrous journey and immersed in his wonderful imaginary worlds.<br />
<br />
His
early horror stories, to me at least, are among the most unsettling and
creepy tales I have ever read, all without being graphic and gruesome.
His space stories reminded us to look up at the stars and dream about
what might be. He often warned us of what we might fall to if we became
careless and let our fears devour our hopes, of what might happen if we
allowed the bullies and despots among us to have their way. At the same
time, he showed us grand hopes and possibilities. He shouted at us that
we could live forever and spread across the stars if only we dared to
dream and dared to act.<br />
<br />
There had been <i>something</i> nagging at me on and off for the past few months, urging me to just sit down and write a letter to Ray just to <i>thank</i>
him for his wonderful gifts. It may sound silly or childish, but I
wanted to let him know how much I loved his work. I wanted to thank him
for telling stories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. <br />
<br />
I just wanted to thank him for sharing his dreams and visions, for
making me laugh and smile countless times...for making me tear up ("The
Laurel and Hardy Love Affair")...for making me shudder with delighted
spookiness (<i>Something Wicked This Way Comes</i>). I just read "A Sound of Thunder" for the first time two days ago and, no offense to Mr. Spielberg and the team at ILM for their work on <i>Jurassic Park</i>,
but only Ray Bradbury was able to capture how terrifying it would be to
encounter a T. Rex in person. Most of all, I wanted to thank Ray for
constantly reminding me to look up at the stars and <i>wonder</i>.<br />
<br />
That little voice, that urging to just take a few minutes, would whisper
in my ear every so often. "Just write him a letter to say, 'Thank you,
Ray.' Sure, he's probably got a million other letters just like it--but
still, take the time to let him know how much his stories meant to you.
You're a writer, Bill -- you know how much it would mean to him." And
instead, I'd set the notion aside to do something pressing, seemingly
urgent, seemingly "more important."<br />
<br />
I'll never have the chance to write that letter and now I feel such a loss. <br />
<br />
For those of you who have a special author or creator whose work has
meant a lot to you, take a moment to thank them. As a writer, I know how
lonely this work can be. Sometimes, writers feel like they are shouting
out into the void and we wonder...we <i>hope</i>...that our stories
connect with readers. But we seldom know. We write and hurl stories out
there and often, never hear from them again. We write because we <i>have</i> to, because that's what we <i>do</i>...most
of us feel with every fiber of our being that we are meant to be
writers and that it is our calling. But it is still nice to know that
others got something out of our work. Certainly, the paychecks, large,
small and nonexistent, are nice...but there is no better feeling than
knowing that someone has enjoyed your work and that your story has made
their life a little better.<br />
<br />
I missed the chance to thank Ray. Don't miss your chance to thank the authors and creators who have inspired you.<br />
<br />
Ray was fond of telling a true story of his meeting with Mr. Electrico, a circus magician he saw when he was a young boy. Mr. Electrico called him up on stage and dared Ray to <i><b>"Live Forever!"</b></i> <br />
<br />
It is a touching tale, one that provides hope and dabbles with reincarnation.<br />
<br />
Ray listened.<br />
<br />
That moment encouraged him to dream big dreams and soar with John Carter on Barsoom,
to fly with Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon, to explore Baum's Yellow
Brick Road and walk with dinosaurs, to quest for a dusty Red Planet
and show us a future worthy of our greatest aspirations if only we dared
to reach for the stars. <br />
<br />
Ray decided right then to be a writer and over the course of his career,
he filled our imaginations with so much hope and wonder and excitement.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Ray.<br />
<br />
You will live forever in your stories. I
can't wait to hear the new tales you have to tell when it is my time to
venture to the Undiscovered Country.<br />
<br />
Godspeed. <br />
<br />
<br />BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-31660845900741591702011-09-29T12:09:00.002-04:002011-09-29T12:21:31.756-04:00Predictions of the Publishing IndustryHot on the heels of the Kindle Fire announcement yesterday, Joe Konrath just <a href="http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/09/konraths-ebook-predictions-from-2009.html">published a commentary</a> on his predictions for the publishing industry from two years ago. He got most things right and a few of the others will no doubt happen not too far in the future.<br />
<br />
Now, here are my own humble predictions for publishing in the next couple of years:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. The sub-$50 ebook reader.</span></b><br />
<br />
Honestly, this is hardly a predicition so much as it is simply inevitable. I feel embarrassed to put it here because it is so obvious...but to exclude it implies that "it might not happen."<br />
<br />
It will happen. Soon.<br />
<br />
We have the $79 Kindle this Christmas...look for the $49 Kindle next Christmas. Sub-$50 no-name ebook readers can often be found on sale at speciality retailers like NewEgg.com and Geeks.com...within six months, that will be the regular price and on-sale, they'll drop into the $30-40 range.<br />
<br />
Look for more and more cheap Android tablets, more and more phones that make for good reading experiences.<br />
<br />
The $25 disposable ebook reader is at most 3-5 years away...probably closer. Then traditional publishers are in a world of hurt.<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
2. The DRM backlash will finally happen. </b></span><br />
<br />
When people realize they can't just move their books from device to device, the cry will begin...ultimately: <br />
<br />
1) publishers will be forced to relent (doubtful, at least in the short term) or <br />
<br />
2) indies (newbs and established authors who use DRM-free as a selling point) will ride the anti-DRM resentment to the tops of the best-seller lists and on the way there, ridicule the publishing establishment. <br />
<br />
When (2) happens, draconian copyright legislation will be used against consumers, there will be much whining about piracy from the big publishers, certainly a big lawsuit or two brought by consumer groups...and still the indie authors will laugh all the way to the bank as they get more and more clout and more established authors jump ship.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, the big publishers will be forced to go DRM-free. The question is how quickly and will they be progressive and thoughtful...or stupid and stubborn.<br />
<br />
Me, I'm betting on stupid and stubborn, because that's what large corporate culture breeds.<br />
<br />
DRM-free happened with music, it will happen with books. The question is when.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Traditional publishers will be rendered even more irrelevant.</b></span><br />
<br />
The traditional book industry will do its best to ignore/mock/lie about this...but where the rubber meets the road (sales), the book industry is going to look more and more enfeebled as time goes on.<br />
<br />
Just as Joe predicts, physical books will be a subsidiary revenue stream to supplement ebook revenues.<br />
<br />
With the collapse of Borders (removing hundreds of physical outlets), B&N being forced to focus on e-books and cutting back on inventory in its retail outlets, and with WalMart/CostCo becoming more and more of the retail book industry, it's going to dramatically eliminate outlets for retail bookbuying and limit the available selection at the outlets that do remain...which in turn, will drive more and more consumers to better selection and pricing online. <br />
<br />
Consumers who now split their purchasing between physical and online will go almost entirely online because they are so dissatisfied with the limited selection at the remaining outlets, or like me, find it impractical to drive to a physical book store. <br />
<br />
Ebooks and online retailing of physical books will make having your book in a physical book store far less relevant (and less likely, too)...and physical presence is really the only card that traditional publishers have left.<br />
<br />
People are going to switch to more and more online purchases...<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
4. Recommendations and Discoverability. </b></span><br />
<br />
We'll see the popularization of great recommendation websites...and frankly, this is what the industry needs <i>most</i> (after eliminating DRM).<br />
<br />
The industry really needs websites that assist with discoverability -- Amazon's services are fair at best; they're great when you already know exactly what you want and want something just like it. But you need something that captures more of the serendipity of stumbling upon cool stuff as happens in physical stores.<br />
<br />
There are already a few sites that are part of this role (MobileRead, KindleBoards, GoodReads, LibraryThing, Shelfari)...but within the next two years, one or more of them are going to become really prominent beyond the smaller core ebook readers. One of them will hit StumbleUpon/Reddit/Digg/Delicious-type status as a "go to place" to find out what's new and cool in books.<br />
<br />
God, please don't let the recommendation engine be Facebook.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
5. On-demand book printing in every town.</b></span><br />
<br />
(I place this 3-5 years down the road)<br />
<br />
You'll see easy and affordable on-demand book printing in every small town across the country through every Starbucks/McDonalds (or a similar chain), through small coffee-shop/cafes, and you'll also see the return of the "small bookstore/cafe."<br />
<br />
(This assumes that at some point, the self-preservation reflex kicks in at mainstream publishers and they decide to do <i>*something*</i> before they go out of business. If they keep on whistling past the graveyard and refuse to change, all bets are off.)<br />
<br />
I know I just implied that physical book retailing is dead. But that's not true -- it will change in a major way, that gives the customer more choice than they have ever had while having an exceptionally small "store" footprint.<br />
<br />
POD printers for books will be available at one or more major chain restaurants for printing books on demand while customers wait -- presumably the publishers get on board with this since they get to split the money while eliminating the costs of printing, warehousing, shipping and returns.<br />
<br />
Immediate delivery of a physical book is the only advantage physical retailers have left and some (enough) people will pay a premium to get the book immediately.<br />
<br />
I see this as being a natural for Starbucks, McDonalds,Dunkin Donuts, etc.<br />
<br />
I see the potential for smaller bookstores to return (Waldenbooks-sized): Half of the space is devoted to 5-10,000 steadiest selling titles and an ample magazine/newsstand. The other half if a cafe where people are encouraged to hang out, where they can rent or borrow a book browser (tablet) if they don't have their own, and they can order a physical book and take delivery of it in 5-10 minutes (produced by a chain of POD printers in the back room).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. International Epublishing Goes Mainstream</b></span><br />
<br />
There's a whole world out there, over a billion of us, for whom English is our primary or at least commonly used language. The world ebook market could be huge...<br />
<br />
Geographic limitations are another reason why traditional publishers are in for a world of hurt, while world-wide retailers like Smashwords are going to help authors reach worldwide audiences.<br />
<br />
For the first time in human history, a person can write a story, article or book and make it instantly available to the entire world. It's a pretty mind-blowing proposition...and we are only just beginning to realize the potential of this global marketplace.BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-43328430254910199802011-01-30T09:59:00.004-05:002011-05-22T15:29:59.675-04:00Remember KidsWe're entering a new era in Congress, with the GOP in charge of the House of Reps. There will be a lot of debate about the proper role of government, social policy, "wasteful government programs" and all sorts of other arguments designed to outrage us, frighten us, to motivate us to support the GOP agenda.<br /><br />I think it's important to have a debate about the proper role of government and what makes for good government policy. And an honest debate is a worthwhile debate. <br /><br /><br />But remember this important safety tip, kids: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8bc_ZyORbM&&&">Bill O'Reilly is full of crap</a>. <br /><br />Always has been, always will be.<br /><br />Same goes for Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Michael Savage, Sarah Palin...oh man, the list never ends.<br /><br />So before you get all frightened and wound up, check the facts. <br /><br />That is all.BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-7788855480667429762010-07-26T17:44:00.003-04:002011-05-22T15:33:53.882-04:00Remembering Mike Watts, my friend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y1TSsYn_KcwjmxViEF6HoLzcbjd5l7xne7sHaYLpd94_LYSLz4IJTXchGHpcZnJuQ8nnU5EljMoVQ6cVX2z0VUewMf6C1vdFeyOSJpGImUKnu2x0isNNlU6bUQjnGrMTbqAVLxWpAQws/s1600/MikeWatts.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y1TSsYn_KcwjmxViEF6HoLzcbjd5l7xne7sHaYLpd94_LYSLz4IJTXchGHpcZnJuQ8nnU5EljMoVQ6cVX2z0VUewMf6C1vdFeyOSJpGImUKnu2x0isNNlU6bUQjnGrMTbqAVLxWpAQws/s320/MikeWatts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609625969377581042" /></a><br />This past weekend, we lost my good friend Mike Watts.<br /><br />Mike was the track photographer at both <a href="http://www.mohawkinternationalraceway.com">Mohawk International Raceway</a> in Hogansburg and <a href="http://www.airborneparkspeedway.com">Airborne Park Speedway</a> in Plattsburgh.<br /><br />Mike loved stock car racing and was a great friend. Mike was the kind of guy that made you feel special whenever you talked to him. <br /><br />All of us in the North Country racing community are devastated by his loss. My deepest sympathies to his wife Jane and sons Mike Jr. and Andy.BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-56361608836961478142010-04-27T18:28:00.005-04:002011-05-22T15:34:53.475-04:00This Gift from Mother Nature<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rtp_Ek2eBBvsC7hCfevrp32KnXyEIqPu9f5p122RWXc-m_U970H7KT9ZOI0wyRBal83CE3DlWTQ6USA8fKPG8yUuReEnDSk1hjjG_hSmRnv4Q_44LyJ9F_nwp4WnMwd2CbfL1KO7tgZn/s1600/SnowApril272010.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rtp_Ek2eBBvsC7hCfevrp32KnXyEIqPu9f5p122RWXc-m_U970H7KT9ZOI0wyRBal83CE3DlWTQ6USA8fKPG8yUuReEnDSk1hjjG_hSmRnv4Q_44LyJ9F_nwp4WnMwd2CbfL1KO7tgZn/s320/SnowApril272010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464948586097037682" /></a><br />Okay, I live in New York's North Country, ten miles from the Canadian border. <br /><br />It snows here. It's winter six months of the year up here. I get that.<br /><br />But this is the view of my backyard this afternoon, April 27th, 2010.<br /><br />The month of May starts in a mere 78 hours...three days...and it's time to get the shovel out!<br /><br />(Still, snow vs. tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, tidal waves, droughts, wildfires...I guess having to shovel in the last week of April isn't so bad.)BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-23904347887745505992010-03-18T23:59:00.004-04:002011-05-22T15:35:44.515-04:00What the GOP Really Stands ForI don't get mad very often. But this makes me furious.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/03/18/90669/state-of-the-health-care-debate.html">Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and the other conservative creeps are insulting an 11-year-old boy after his mother died because she didn't have health insurance.</a><br /><br />The Conservative movement can use whatever arguments it wants to justify its actions -- we're against big government, we think people should have individual choice, we believe in personal responsibility and on and on. <br /><br />Some of those arguments sound appealing at first glance. They fall apart under any serious examination.<br /><br />But in the end, the Conservative movement boils down to, "People should be allowed to die." <br /><br />They won't say that, but that's what happens if they get their way.<br /><br />The health care system we have now leaves tens of millions of Americans uninsured. Millions of Americans who cannot afford insurance, who have lost their homes because they got sick, who have chronic health issues and who cannot afford enormous insurance premiums. <br /><br />The system we have now wastes a huge amount of money in administrative costs--health insurance companies spend a huge amount of time finding ways of denying legitimate claims and dumping customers who dare to use the benefits they have already paid for. <br /><br />We spend more on health care as a percentage of GDP than any nation on Earth and have far worse outcomes than those evil socialized nations like Canada and most of Western Europe, which deliver healthcare to everyone in the nation at a far lower cost than the US system. I live 20 minutes from the Canadian border, I talk to dozens of Canadians every weekend when I'm announcing stock car races and trust me, as a whole, they feel their system is vastly superior to ours. Honestly, most of them think we're crazy for putting up with the fact that we're the only major industrialized nation on the planet without nationalized healthcare.<br /><br />The Conservative movement: We can spend billions on wars overseas but if you're an ordinary American who works hard to take care of their family, yeah, we'll let you die. And then we'll mock your grieving children.BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-88136450345130250062010-02-14T12:21:00.006-05:002011-05-22T16:44:25.423-04:00Thank You, Dick CheneyFormer VP Dick Cheney has been unleashed again, presumably without his meds. Now he thinks the Obama Administration should <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/Politics/dick-cheney-joe-biden-war-words-continues/story?id=9821035">"thank"</a> George W. Bush and Cheney for all the swell things they've done to make President Obama's life easier.<br />
<br />
Here's a few of W.'s accomplishments:<br />
<br />
* Allowing the largest domestic terror attack in the history of the country to happen despite repeated warnings from the State Dept. But W. had brush to clear at his Crawford ranch and couldn't be bothered to take action.<br />
<br />
* Starting a war of choice and not necessity by attacking a nation that had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks (that would be Iraq, for those keeping score at home). Bush's "easy" war where we would be "greeted as liberators and not conquerers" turned a stable if authortarian state into a seething cauldron of violence that is creating a whole new generation of terrorists. Saddam Hussein was a bad man, no doubt about it...but I really think setting off a civil war that STILL threatens to engulf the entire region is inarguably worse.<br />
<br />
* By taking out Iraq, Bush helped make Iran a powerful agitator in the Gulf Region, which threatens to further destabilize the region for years to come.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Oh, yeah, there's a lot more after the break...</b><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
* Spending a trillion dollars on a war against a nation that had nothing to do with 9/11.<br />
<br />
* Thousands of deaths of US service personnel as a result of that war of choice. Tens of thousands of permanently debilitating injuries.<br />
<br />
* Over 100,000 civilian deaths as a result of this war of choice.<br />
<br />
* Legalizing torture. We're supposed to be a nation that inspires other nations to be noble and good...but Bush and Cheney attempted to legalize torturing people, a technique that everyone within the intelligence community knows is INEFFECTIVE. And terribly immoral.<br />
<br />
* Ignoring the rule of law by attempting to hold "enemy combatants" indefinitely without a proper trial. (And yet, the Bush Administration got over 300 convictions of suspected terrorists in fully legal jury trials. But Bush's biggest supporters accused Obama of being cowardly for wanting to follow the law.)<br />
<br />
* Bush bravely telling the terrorists to "bring it on" from the safety of a press briefing 3,000 miles away. It's easy to say "Bring it on" when it's not your ass being shot at. Of course, Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Rush Limbaugh wouldn't know what real military service was all about--they were cowards and got deferments and preferential treatment when their nation asked them to serve in the Vietnam War. Getting shot at is for the little people.<br />
<br />
* An Administration that held the Constitution and the rule of law in such contempt that they simply ignored it when it was inconvenient. Deciding that people do not have any legal rights--the Bush Administration advocated that <span style="font-weight: bold;">anyone</span>, not just those possible terrorists, but anyone, you, me, your friends, your family, could be declared a suspected terrorist or enemy combatant (without the government having to provide any proof of said accusation), kidnapped off the streets, held in indefinite detention, tortured, "disappeared," with no legal rights at all.<br />
<br />
* Implementing a dragnet that spies on the communications of ordinary Americans at every juncture.<br />
<br />
* Creating nightmare conditions in the Middle East that will create a whole new generation of terrorists whose only goal in life is to destroy the nation (that would be us) that attacked them. The mess Bush and Cheney created in Iraq is something that will haunt our nation for generations to come.<br />
<br />
* Bush came into office with a huge budget surplus. He left office after squandering a trillion dollars on this foolish war, with the US deeply in debt and huge budget deficit.<br />
<br />
* Enriching Cheney and Bush's friends in industry, from the military contractors like Blackwater and Wackenhut who provided "security" and often engaged in brutal attacks on civilians in Iraq to military contractors to Cheney's former company, Halliburton, which won billions of dollars in contracts for military support and rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure.<br />
<br />
* The Bush Recession which would have turned into Great Depression II had it not been for the swift action of the Obama Administration.<br />
<br />
* Enormous tax cuts for America's wealthiest citizens and corporations that played a large part in creating the huge deficits Obama must attempt to reign in.<br />
<br />
* Creating and allowing the conditions that caused the mortgage meltdown and subsequent Wall Street and bank collapse that nearly destroyed the world's economy. Former NY Governor Elliott Spitzer was intent on investigating the banks' deceptive and illegal practices and he was shut down by the Bush Administration.<br />
<br />
* Bailing out America's wealthiest corporations while allowing millions of ordinary Americans to lose everything they have in bankruptcies due to mortgage meltdowns and the ongoing crisis in American healthcare--did you know that a large percentage of bankruptcies in this country are due to medical bills? Do you know how many Canadians have to file bankruptcy because of medical bills? ZERO. That's because they have an affordable single-payer system where everyone is covered.<br />
<br />
* Bush's policies have crippled this nation and we are on the verge of bankruptcy. If the Chinese ever stop buying up our gov't's debt, we are SCREWED. <br />
<br />
* Empowering big mouthed morons like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, Glen Beck, who speak big words about patriotism, bravery and courage while insulting anyone who dares to disagree with them. <br />
<br />
But let's review some facts about these clowns:<br />
<br />
Rush Limbaugh was an oxycontin addict and mocked Haiti after the devastating earthquake. Serial deferments for a vestigial tail (growth) when the military attempted to draft him.<br />
<br />
Sean Hannity talks about his courage and even went so far to say that he would be water-boarded for charity to prove that it's not torture. The money was raised...the coward still has come nowhere near a waterboard.<br />
<br />
Micheal Savage spews hate for a living while hiding behind a made-up on-air name. Maybe he's afraid of his given last name of Weiner because he is one.<br />
<br />
Glenn Beck, birther, teabagger, cries on command, former on-air DJ who likes to dress up in military uniforms for book cover shoots but has never actually been anywhere near a real military uniform.<br />
<br />
In most of American history, people like this were called "chickenhawks"--they love to talk about duty, honor and the nobility of serving the country by being in the military. But when it is time for them to put their own asses on the line, they cower in the shadows because they are cowards. They are not worthy of our contempt.<br />
<br />
* Bringing this nation to the brink of fascism--encouraging discourse that labeled anyone opposed to Bush's policies a coward or a traitor while melding corporate power and gov't policy for militaristic purposes. (Which is the technical definition of fascism.)<br />
<br />
I don't use the word evil lightly--but the Bush Administration was perhaps the single greatest gathering of pure, concentrated evil in recent American history. Let's remember some of the hall of shame: Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Douglass Feith, Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, Karl Rove (Mr. Family Values who wants yet another divorce), Richard Perle, Paul Wolfowitz, Condoleeza Rice.<br />
<br />
Gee Dick, thanks! We couldn't have done it without you!BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-78772206490798025492010-02-05T19:11:00.007-05:002011-05-22T15:36:20.118-04:00Authors Love their Publishers...Authors love their publishers...the way cattle love their farmer.<br /><br />See the kind farmer, how he feeds and nurtures his cattle. How he takes care of them, protects them from the big, bad predators beyond the confines of the electric fence. <br /><br />The farmer is looking out for the interests of his cattle out of the goodness of his heart, the cattle all moo to each other...right until they're shipped out to the big farm in the sky.<br /><br />Right now, <a href="http://www.teleread.org/2010/02/05/maybe-we-should-be-hurting-the-authors/">many authors are going on and on</a> about how publishers like MacMillan are just looking out for the authors' interests in the battle against the big, bad Amazon wolf. (Commentary from <a href="http://whatever.scalzi.com/2010/02/02/a-call-for-author-support/">John Scalzi</a>, <a href="http://yuki-onna.livejournal.com/563086.html">Catherynne M Valente</a>, <a href="http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/?p=2138">Scott Westerfield</a>, <a href="http://www.tobiasbuckell.com/2010/01/31/why-my-books-are-no-longer-for-sale-via-amazon/#comments">Tobias Buckell</a> -- of the group, I found Buckell's comments to be the most reasoned and insightful.)<br /><br />Meanwhile, the publishers are paying authors tiny royalties from their ebook sales.<br /><br />My fellow authors: <br /><br />I know the publishing world is a big, scary place. I know many of you are turning to your publishers for comfort, the same way that Metallica suckled up to music labels when it started complaining about music downloading. But remember, the publisher is interested in you only for the money you can make for them.<br /><br />Don't be part of the herd. Supply your books directly to ebook distributors. Even sell directly to readers. <br /><br />Give readers what they want: open, non-DRMd formats, no geographic restrictions, decent pricing. Make decent royalties. <br /><br />And take your fate into your own hands instead of waiting for the day that Farmer Brown decides you're no longer economically worthwhile and sends you off to be turned into a baseball glove. <br /><br />Don't think it can happen to you? Go ask a midlist author or two whether or not it can happen to you.<br /><br />Look at the economics: <br /><br />With a big publisher, you need to sell tens upon tens of thousands of each book to make a living. On a typical 8-10% royalty, that's maybe 75 cents royalty per paperback sold. Say a target income of $30,000 a year = 40,000 books a year sold. That's a tough nut to crack in the current marketplace, what with returns, fighting for shelf space, etc. <br /><br />Now, selling directly through ebook distributors: $2.99 ebook with 70% royalty = a little over $2.00 a book. Same income selling 15,000 books a year. <br /><br />Yes, 15,000 is a lot of ebooks right now. But bear in mind, no warehouse or shipping costs. No fighting for shelf space, only mind share. Your books are instantly available around the world to anyone who speaks English with an internet connection and $3. Providing books in open, universal formats like HTML, PDF and txt helps, too.<br /><br />Now, here's the kicker. Mix sales and giveaways of ebooks to increase awareness of yourself as an author and upsell readers to something really valuable: Write one novel a year and self-publish in a limited edition, autographed hardcover with bound-in CD extras: Interviews, behind the scenes, alternate scenes, etc....stuff you have lying around in your scraps folder anyway. <br /><br />Sell the hardcover for $25 + shipping. Sell direct only to readers and at cons and appearances, or non-returnable to wholesalers who might be interested. Production cost is about $5, so you make a $20 profit. <br /><br />Now, you're looking at a pretty viable business: Sell 1,000 limited edition hardcovers ($20,000), sell 5,000 ebooks ($10,000) and giveaway a whole bunch of freebies to prime the well. Anything above those numbers is gravy. <br /><br />It's what's going to happen anyway...the question is, are you going to do it now and embrace the future...or wait until it's done to you?<br /><br />Moo.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Addendum</span><br /><br />Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to say "Amazon good, MacMillan bad." I've made it clear earlier that I believe MacMillan has every right to charge whatever the market will bear and Amazon should have let them...and I suspect Amazon is blocking that pricing because they want to dominate the ebook market.<br /><br />A couple of points, however:<br /><br />* I know it is NOT the publishers' fault for the death of the midlist--not entirely, anyway. Publishers are struggling to get books into stores with limited shelf-space. With the industry dominated by two major bricks-and-mortar retailers, those two companies can dictate a lot of terms. <br /><br />But publishers, most of them now owned by large corporations, are obsessed with "swing for the fences" results--they want everything to be a big hit and aren't really all that concerned with nurturing a new generation of writers who can post reliable but unspectacular numbers. <br /><br />* Amazon needs content to sell and they don't care if it comes from MacMillan or JoeNewb. You're not competing for shelf-space online and that is a HUGE issue for authors.<br /><br />* I'm not blindly saying "trust Amazon." I <span style="font-weight:bold;">don't</span> trust Amazon. I'm not under any illusion that they'll pay out that 70% royalty one day longer than they need to, and when they dominate the market, they're going to whittle it down to something favorable to them.<br /><br />* I don't own a dedicated ereader and never expect to own one. I think it's an interim technology, just like PDAs have turned out to be. Most people will end up reading their ebooks on laptops, netbook/smartbooks or portable media players.<br /><br />I think dedicated ebook readers with proprietary formats and DRM are just a bad purchasing decision.<br /><br />I get all of my ebooks as non-DRMd PDFs, Epubs, HTML or text downloads. If I can't get it that way, I just buy the mass market paperback. I buy a LOT of used books. Authors and publishers are missing out on a lot of royalties from more frugal readers like me.<br /><br />HOWEVER, the thing to remember is that Amazon need not be the only game in town. In online retailing, they can be on top of the world this year...and in a heap o' trouble the next. I see companies along the lines of <a href="http://www.smashwords.com">Smashwords.com</a> becoming a major player in publishing. No DRM, open formats, great prices, no proprietary hardware--what's not to love?<br /><br />I think a big part of that is the same few points I keep harping on every time: Non-DRM, open universal formats (HTML, PDF, txt...Epub I guess although I don't see the point), no geographic restrictions, very modest pricing. <br /><br />With that combination and the freedom as an author to go where the best deal is, you can sell anywhere, anytime, to anyone and make a decent royalty...and give your fans a great product at a fair price. You are not at the mercy of any outside company.<br /><br />The key is going to be "how to find ebooks you're interested in"? You'll see social aggregators like <a href="http://www.librarything.com">LibraryThing.com</a> becoming much more important as people turn to them to find new authors, share ideas and catch up on "what's new and exciting." You'll see news and gossip sites dedicated to books and storytelling -- like Slashdot or Digg for books. That is where the power in publishing is going to end up.BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-81171218541422836272010-02-04T14:26:00.005-05:002011-05-22T15:36:31.472-04:00Can MacMillan Dictate Ebook Prices?The Story So Far on "Ebook Smackdown"...<br /><br />* Amazon dictates ebook pricing to the publishing industry. Much grumbling ensues. <br /><br />* Publishers insist that ebooks cost as much to produce as printed books.<br /><br />(My opinion--if they <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> do, you're doing it wrong. Time to get into another business.).<br /><br />* MacMillan is emboldened by Apple's whispering sweet nothings in its ear about the IPad, which can apparently bring about world peace, solve hunger and display ebooks.<br /><br />* MacMillan tries to dictate ebook pricing to Amazon.<br /><br />* Amazon responds by delisting all of MacMillan's books, including printed ones.<br /><br />* Publishing goes nuts. Authors and publishers alike demonize Amazon. Readers don't understand why they can't purchase books they had access to before the weekend.<br /><br />* Two days later, Amazon surrenders. Publishers are happy. Authors appear to be happy. Amazon looks foolish. Steve Jobs still looks smug peddling an inferior tablet computer that doesn't even have USB ports or play Flash.<br /><br />Which Brings Us to Now:<br /><br /><a href="http://teleread.org">Teleread.org</a>, one of the better sites chronicling the ebook wars, posts an interesting article on the <a href="http://www.teleread.org/2010/02/04/kindlers-and-mackerel/">Amazon/MacMillan fallout</a>. <br /><br />The article essentially makes the case that MacMillan has acted unethically if not illegally. Many authors who publish through MacMillan (and a few other companies) have called for a boycott of Amazon. <br /><br />Personally, I think MacMillan has stepped into a big, steaming pile of fail. If everyone else in the industry follows suit, as this article suggests they might, you're about to see big publishing get mightily humbled by small presses and independent authors. <br /><br />MacMillan <span style="font-style:italic;">does</span> have the right to decide what it is going to charge for its products. And consumers have no choice but to pay those prices if they insist on reading those particular books.<br /><br />That is how capitalism works.<br /><br />But readers are not powerless. In fact, quite the opposite.<br /><br />You see, boycotts cut two ways.<br /><br />Readers, remember that <span style="font-weight:bold;">you</span> have the money. <br /><br />So what if MacMillan wants to move the price up to $14.99?<br /><br />But there are over 100,000 new books published every year. Most of them are by small presses and independent authors. And many of them are smart enough to be willing to sell you an ebook for $9.99...or $4.99...or $1.99. <br /><br />Boycott the big boys. Support the companies that "get it."<br /><br />Be sure to let MacMillan know that you won't be purchasing any of their books until they compromise. Not just ebooks...any books published by them at all, print or ebook.<br /><br />Be sure to let the authors who work for this publisher know that you are boycotting them, too. It's not personal, it's just that $9.99 is a fair price for an ebook, thank you very much, and if you expect me to pay $14.99, then I will gladly purchase ebooks from another company.<br /><br />There are plenty of companies that "get it." <a href="http://www.baen.com">Baen</a>, <a href="http://www.smashwords.com">Smashwords</a>, <a href="http://www.booksforabuck.com">BooksForABuck</a> and a whole host of small presses and independent authors go out of their way to keep their prices fair. Many of them offer ebooks without DRM, too, because they understand that DRM sucks.<br /><br />Personally, I will <span style="font-weight:bold;">gladly</span> sell you my <span style="font-style:italic;">Outlaw Galaxy</span> ebooks for $1-2, without DRM.<br /><br />Support publishers that get it...and let the authors you love know that you're voting with your wallet.<br /><br />Remember, boycotts cut two ways.<br /><br />-- Bill Smith<br /><a href="http://www.billsmithbooks.com">BillSmithBooks.com</a>BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3672553019751417358.post-90549759177192034712010-01-28T18:48:00.005-05:002011-05-22T15:36:46.475-04:00Pat Roberston is a jackassPat Robertson made quite the spectacle of himself recently when he spoke about how the Haitian people brought the earthquake on themselves. He said that it was punishment from God because they <a href="http://rawstory.com/2010/01/robertson-quake-haiti-pact-devil/">"made a pact with the Devil"</a> to get the French out of Haiti back in the 1800s.<br /><br />Then he has the gall to follow that insensitive drivel with "True Story."<br /><br />Well, the great Rev. Pat is always telling us "what the Lord tells him." And it never fails that "what the Lord tells him" never, ever comes to pass. <br /><br />So it's either one of two things: <br /><br />1. Option One is that God is whispering lies to Robertson just to jerk his chain.<br /><br />Now personally, I can see that. I think God has a splendid sense of humor--just look at where he put all the oil. <br /><br />And I believe it would heartily amuse God to deceive such a self-righteous hypocrite just so that he might someday learn a lesson or two about humility, forgiveness, and compassion. <br /><br />Sadly, there are still lots and lots of people who actually believe the drivel the Rev. Pat spews out there, so I have my doubts about option 1.<br /><br />2. Option Two is that it's not God whispering in your ear, Pat. <br /><br />In fact, it seems quite possible that contrary to being a wise man of a just and noble God, Pat tends to see his own weaknesses and fears and then projects them onto God. <br /><br />------<br /><br />Now, let's consider some evidence that supports assertion Number Two:<br /><br />(Citations from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Robertson#Controversies_and_criticisms">Wikipedia</a>)<br /><br />* Rev. Pat's businesses were heavily invested in the <a href="http://www.blackstarnews.com/news/135/ARTICLE/6224/2010-01-19.html">blood diamond trade</a> from war-torn Africa under the guise of a Christian charity mission. <br /><br />* Rev. Pat also has explicitly supported African despots like <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/1/14/825050/-Pat-Robertson,-Freedom-Gold-and-Blood-Diamonds">Sese Seko and Charles Taylor</a>...but called for the assassination of Hugo Chavez, a democratically elected leader. <br /><br />(Not that I'm a big fan of Hugo...I'm just not a big fan of assassination and government destabilization as a means of conducting foreign policy. It really hasn't been all that effective for us. Just ask the Iranians, the Iraqis or the Afghan people.)<br /><br />* Hurrican Katrina was God's wrath on America, Pat said. He also said that Orlando would be destroyed because Disneyworld hosted gay-friendly events.<br /><br />* Rev. Pat never met a prophesy he didn't flub. <br /><br />* At one time, the Rev. Pat owned a stable of race horses and then admitted to being surprised that, <span style="font-style:italic;">gasp</span>, gambling is a central part of horse racing. <br /><br />Now, personally I don't consider gambling much of a sin as long as you can afford to lose the money and no one suffers. Not wise, certainly, and not a lot of fun either, but not much of a sin.<br /><br />However, consider how many horses are horribly injured in racing and how many have to be put down as a result of on-track injuries. These poor animals did not choose to be forced to race. <br /><br />Horse racing is a fairly despicable sport in my opinion, right alongside dog and camel racing. One merely needs to look at how much suffering is really inflicted on helpless animals to be appalled. And while not as barbaric or evil as bullfighting and dog fighting, it's certainly immoral. <br /><br />You want to risk your own neck in a competitive sport? Fine, that's your choice. But to force animals to endure pain and suffering for your amusement is despicable.<br /><br />* Robertson is a <a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100115161011AA3lxeY">wealthy man</a> who incessantly begs for money for his ministry. He preaching the gospel of a man who said that it was easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than it was for a wealthy man to get into heaven. <br /><br />* Robertson is always going on and on about the evils of homosexuality, gay marriage, non-Christian religions, big government liberals and all the other hot-buttons of the conservative evangelical movement. <br /><br />Look dude, it's America and you're allowed to believe in any damn fool thing you want to. But I don't have to just stand by silently and humbly tolerate your ideas because you say your beliefs are based on Biblical scripture. <br /><br />First off, if you're going to be a Biblical literalist and cite Leviticus as the reason for hating homosexuality, don't be such a coward. Go whole hog. Embrace the <a href="http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/drlaura.asp">full wisdom of Leviticus and the rest of the Old Testament</a>: Hate shrimp, sell your daughters, enslave those pesky Canadians, stone people who work on the Sabbath. (Insert "sarcasm" tag here.)<br /><br />But while you're being all literal, you might want to get rid of some of those zeroes in your bank account 'cause otherwise you can't get into heaven. Being "born again" doesn't get you a Wonka Golden Ticket into heaven either. <br /><br />Christ was clear: Rich = Eternal Damnation. <br /><br />Sorry Pat: I didn't make the Law of God, I'm just reporting it.<br /><br />----<br /><br />So I would suggest that there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the Rev. Pat is not the God-fearing, humble servant of the Lord he professes to be.<br /><br />And considering how much hatred and anger he spews at people he disagrees with...how he sits and passes judgment on folks who dare to be different from him...and then how he <span style="font-weight:bold;">hides<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> behind the Bible as a justification for his foolishness...<br /><br />Well, all things considered, I suspect it could very well be option Number Two.<br /><br />Next time somebody whispers in your ear and says he's The Lord, ask for ID.<br /><br />True story.BillSmithBookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17416767836260252793noreply@blogger.com0